Saturday, July 12 | 1-3pm
at The Arts Center at Governors Island, Studio A4 (Upper Level)
Free Admission | RSVP or Drop-In

In this participatory workshop led by Shinnecock artist Jeremy Dennis, participants will create protest signs in solidarity with the Shinnecock Nation’s fight for beach access and environmental protection. Drawing on visual storytelling, Indigenous sovereignty, and the power of collective action, attendees will design and produce signs for use in summer protests at Coopers Beach and beyond. The workshop will begin with a brief presentation on the history of the Shinnecock’s land and water struggles, followed by a hands-on creative session. Materials will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring words, phrases, or symbols meaningful to them.

This workshop is open to all — activists, artists, families, students, and anyone interested in Indigenous rights, climate justice, or creative protest. No prior artistic experience required. All materials provided. Comfortable clothing is encouraged for this hands-on workshop. Youth under 14 should be accompanied by an adult.

Protest Sign-Making for Shinnecock Sovereignty and Water Protection is supported by Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, Inc., Shinnecock Graves Protection Warrior Society, New York Communities for Change.

Content Considerations: This workshop addresses themes of colonization, land theft, and the denial of Indigenous rights. While presented in an empowering and constructive way, discussions may reference generational trauma and ongoing injustice.

The Works on Water 2025 Triennial is a multi-sited exhibition and series of public art interventions made on, in, and with urban bodies of water, created in response to our global climate crisis. Participate in a series of workshops led by Works on Water Triennial artists, inspired by bodies of water and NYC waterways. The Works on Water 2025 Triennial exhibition will be on view in Upper and Lower Galleries of The Arts Center starting August 28 through October 26, open Saturdays and Sundays, 12-6pm.

Jeremy Dennis is a contemporary fine art photographer and enrolled member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. His work explores Indigenous identity, land rights, and historical memory. As founder of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, he creates space for intergenerational storytelling and solidarity through art. Visit jeremynative.com and mashouse.studio to learn more.

Works on Water is an experimental organization and triennial exhibition dedicated to artworks, performances, conversations, workshops and site-specific experiences that explore diverse artistic investigation of water in the urban environment. We seek to strengthen and nourish the community of artists working on and with bodies of water and to provide a platform to increase awareness of artists and organizations working on and with the waterways.

Made possible with support from the Cultural Development Fund, Invoking the Pause, exhibiting artists, and Works on Water’s partner organizations.