Last week we opened our collection of 38 paintings in the new Barton Gallery in the Gault Fine Art Center here in Pulaski, TN. The paintings are beautifuly displayed and the over all effect of the show is strong. This group of artists has told the truth about the rivers they love. Many of the paintings are dark and tell a story of pollution and concern. I am struck by how many artists speak about rivers that were pristine in their lifetime but have just recently become polluted. One artist tells of the St. John’s river in Florida that used to be polluted but has recently been cleaned. This gives me hope for the future. If only more people will take the time to study , create, and educate the public about the rivers like these artists have done, our water would be protected.