Last December, while searching for ways the Blackstone Parks Conservancy and dog-owners might work together in Blackstone Woods, Susan Olson, Elena Riverstone and Jane Peterson decided to ask the Narragansett Boat Club to co-sponsor a photo exhibit depicting the Seekonk River and the woodland and ponds. It was Elena’s photographs of mushrooms and lichen that sparked the idea that enthusiasm for the woods and the waterfront might be shared by many: through their eyes.The resulting show, “Through Our Eyes: Woodland and Water,” drew a festive crowd to the boat club on a perfect Sunday afternoon in June. Guests floated from the workout room transformed into a sparkling exhibit space, into the interior where food and drink awaited, then out to the north deck, where guitarist David Soltz played softly.

Heron at York Pond, by Frank Kahr

As expected, a wide range of visions depicting the woods, ponds, and river suggest that people see different moments of beauty in these precious resources. The Blackstone Parks Conservancy plans to continue collaborating with as many partners as possible to find ways to enhance their protection.

A silent auction of Frank Kahr’s dazzling “Heron at York Pond” was won by artist and rower Sharon Cutts. Frank is a longtime amateur photographer and a rower as well.

We wish to thank all the photographers who shared their visions of the Blackstone Park Conservation District and the Seekonk River: Melissa Bagga, Anna Browder, Alden Bumstead, Bill Braden, James Dealy, Shirley Dimatteo, Elliot Esterman, Jonathan Ford, Frank Kahr, Alyssa Morin, Jane Peterson, Elena Riverstone, Karston Schultz, Mel Shelly, Jamie Worrell, Kimberly Worrell.

In addition, we thank the following people who pitched in to make this celebration a success:

The Blackstone Parks Conservancy, especially Gale Aronson, Carrie Drake,

Anthony Hollingshead, and Shirley Kesirian

Lucy Lepreau and the Quaker Meeting

The Narragansett Boat Club, especially Dan Gorriaran, Barbara Green, Kim Worrell, Bill Twaddell, John Ryan, Ruth Berenson, and Sharon Cutts

Spring Maple, by Alden Bumstead

Michael Glossup

Jason Dexter

Rachel Blackman

Byron Olson

India House

Whole Foods

East Side Marketplace

After the Rain, by Elena Riverstone

Snowy Woods, by Mel Shelly