Tar Sands Oil in Maine? Draw-A-Thon, Anyone?

Blue Jay by Kenny Cole

The current show at Monkitree has an environmental theme and benefits the Natural Resources Council of Maine. In talking with people at NRCM about what issues I may be able to help engage people in, the last thing I expected to hear was Tar Sands. Of course I had been paying attention to the Keystone XL pipeline issue that has been getting so much attention. And I knew about the spill in Michigan that has caused so much damage in 2010. But Tar Sands...in Maine? Apparently it could happen and we need to be vigilant.

There is an existing pipeline that runs from Montreal to Portland, Maine and Enbridge is looking to reverse the flow to carry tar sands oil. This pipeline number 9 runs next to Sebago Lake which is the drinking water source for 15% of Maine. It is an old pipeline and made of the same material as the failed pipeline that caused the destruction in Michigan.

The Tar Sands Oil is dirty, getting it out of the ground is incredibly destructive. We are coming to the end of the oil and should be focusing on what the solutions are instead of coming up with continually filthier ways to keep using oil.

So what can we do about it-

1. Educate ourselves. There are plenty of resources out their for learning about tar sands oil and the plans to bring it to markets.
2. Whatever we can, to protect our environment and our health. Write your legislators and be sure they know your position, go to public meetings, draw a picture. Yes. you heard me! Draw a picture!

On June 23rd, during the Greater Gardiner Riverfest, Monkitree will host a Draw-A-Thon to raise awareness of the tar sands issue. All work created during the Draw-A-Thon will be photographed or scanned for possible inclusion in a zine commemorating this event and possible reproduction as posters to used by NRCM at public meetings about the topic. 

If you are an artist that want to participate, please contact me at info@monkitree.com.
Everyone is welcome to come and watch!

For more information on Draw-A-Thons-
http://mainedrawathon.blogspot.com/
For more information on Tar Sands in Maine-
http://www.nrcm.org/tarsands.asp