On that day school students, church groups, birdwatchers and fishermen, artists and musicians, families and friends will gather across the Gulf Coast to acknowledge how the oil spill has affected their lives, how they've been hurt, how they've coped and who and what has given them strength. They will sing, reflect, pray, play music, read poems, eat good food, drum or whatever feels right.  Each group will create a picture (a bird, a shrimp, a human figure) or some other tangible expression of beauty--a sand sculpture on a beach, a ribbon tied around a boat, a wreath sent out to sea, a special dinner at home, candle lighting--or anything else that seems meaningful.   

A group is one or more, location is indoors or outdoors, gatherings can be formal or informal, public or private. Everyone will take a photograph of themselves and/or their group with their expression of beauty to be included in a special presentation of images on digital disc--and every participant who registers will receive one.

BE PART OF THE BIG PICTURE CHALLENGE!

Pelicans Flying Over Oil-Stained Beach June 2010
© Matthew D. White

Why Gulf Coast Rising is Different

Many people and organizations are working tirelessly to clean up the land and waters and rescue wildlife along the Gulf. Others are working with people whose lives have been turned upside down, counseling them and helping them to find work. Gulf Coast Rising honors and affirms the deep connection between people and the places where they live and that they love and explores ways to reconnect them.