Artists Build Glass Sculptures Across River Basin
Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan use recycled glassware to create temporary installations highlighting local watersheds.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Current Conditions
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Artists Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan have spent the last 15 years creating over 400 temporary glass sculptures throughout the Mississippi River Basin. The project uses recycled antique dishes and vases to mark locations at 40-mile intervals.
Why it matters
The project aims to visualize hidden connections within the watershed while fostering dialogue regarding local environmental health. By disassembling their work after documentation, the artists focus on ephemeral impacts rather than permanent structures.
The artists have constructed over 400 glass cairns at 40-mile intervals across the Mississippi River Basin over the last 15 years. A recent series specifically commissioned for Springfield included 3 sculptures placed at Fassnight Creek.
The players
Libby Reuter
Libby Reuter is an artist who collaborates on large-scale ecological art projects designed to raise awareness about watershed health.
Joshua Rowan
Joshua Rowan is an artist known for his collaborative work in sculpture and photography focusing on environmental themes.
The details
Libby Reuter and Joshua Rowan construct their cairns by stacking recycled glassware before photographing the pieces for an interactive map. The artists coordinate with local stakeholders before building at each site and subsequently disassemble the sculptures to leave no trace.
Timeline
The art project has spanned the past 15 years.
The exhibition at the Chicago Watershed Art and Ecology Center continues until October 31, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The project aligns with the mission of the Watershed Art and Ecology Center to promote public engagement through ecological art. These temporary installations follow a pattern set by environmental art movements that prioritize ephemeral, low-impact presence within natural systems.
Residents in Springfield can view documentation of the local installations through the artists' interactive map. The project serves as a prompt for the public to observe the water quality and ecological connectivity of Fassnight Creek.
The takeaway
This long-term project demonstrates how artistic documentation can draw attention to the often overlooked geography of local streams. Readers may consider how small-scale changes to their own environment can highlight broader ecological health trends.
What happens next
The current art exhibition featuring the project photography and documentation is scheduled to conclude on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local environmental reporting at Current Conditions.
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Do you believe art projects in your area help residents better understand local environmental issues?
