New Fringe Arts Exhibit Is Floating Homage To Sustainability

By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A unique art opening is scheduled for tonight on — literally ON — the Delaware River.

The floating artwork-cum-living-and-performance-space, with aqua garden, is called Wetland.

Creator Mary Mattingly (below) says she hopes visitors will get a new perspective about life on a changing planet.

"I would like this to strengthen what's already happening in Philadelphia," she tells KYW Newsradio, "with strong movements in urban farming and food and water resources."

(Mary Mattingly. Photo by Pat Loeb)

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The base, moored just south of the Independence Seaport Museum, is a houseboat, but it's been transformed with buildouts and attachments and a conscious effort to make it look like it's sinking.

Local artists have been helping get it ready.

"It's so challenging, putting all these pieces together," says painter Greg Lindquist.

Wetland was commissioned  two years ago by Fringe Arts, and is the vanguard of this year's festival.  Tours and events are scheduled through September 21st.