Illuminations is a series of site specific public interactions employing projected messages in the vicinity of the Chicago River. The objective is to bring awareness to Chicago’s use/abuse of its most precious natural resource, Lake Michigan, and the damaging effects caused by the reversal of the Chicago River. As a gently disruptive media presentation, the bold messages subtly and unexpectedly drew attention to the issue through meaningful juxtapositions with Chicago’s cityscape.

This is a Call to Action project initially performed and documented in August 2010. However, as additional projections are performed and documented, the video presentation will be continually updated with new footage, new messages, and new locations. It's truly alive.

Call to Action was a workshop and activist collective of 16 artists, designers, educators, architects, and one engineer. Our objectives were open-ended, and our time together was brief. Our challenge: To awaken Chicagoans to current and potential water stewardship concerns due to issues of infrastructure, increasing demand, inadequate and unsustainable treatment, and poor water quality in a city that we know can do much, much better. It's our water. It's our responsibility.

Please visit itsourwater.org for more information.

Music by The Sundresses (song: The Barking House / album: Barkinghaus / courtesy of: All Night Party / water type: Fresh). Visit the Sundresses at thesundresses.com and All Night Party at theallnightparty.com.