The Art + Water Workshop: Bodies of Water and Light on Saturday, November 22, will be an immersive evening of climate storytelling rooted in watershed science and uplifted with light.

Projection artist Boo McCaleb will transform the interior spaces of Capitol Region Watershed District’s (CRWD’s) Watershed Learning Center with projected imagery and sound, creating spaces for rest, play, connection and reflection. Wander through the installations to learn about current and predicted climate impacts in our watershed and explore ways to shore up hope by being together and sharing our own stories of resilience.

The event is organized by CRWD Artist-in-Residence Sarah Peters and CRWD Community Engagement Coordinator Maricella Xiong.

Ahead of the event on November 22, Sarah Peters sat down with artist Boo McCaleb to discuss projection art and the installations. The following is a lightly edited transcription of this conversation.

Sarah: What is projection art?

Boo: Projection art is a light-based medium that uses video projectors, but it is also a technology that goes back pretty far. Some artists use different kinds of projectors – some people might be familiar with overhead projectors from school, or conference rooms. There are also really big projectors that you see at concerts or shows in immersive venues, where all of the surfaces are bathed in light.

So, the art form is light itself, usually in the form of a photo or video being projected in a space

Sarah: It seems like what’s exciting about projection art is that it doesn’t involve screens like a regular movie theater. Can you talk about some of the surfaces you’ve seen lit up?

Boo: Yes, light can shine on anything, which means you no longer have to project on a static screen or wall. We can project on surfaces like clothing, sculptures, or even paintings. The world becomes your canvas. Artists have pointed projectors at all kinds of surfaces, and software programs have been developed to do so in a very precise and advanced way.

The use of the software has evolved into something called “projection mapping,” which involves tracing light onto the features of a surface, like windows or doors, or onto edges of a sculpture. That sounds pretty magical because it is!

Sarah: What inspires you about working with water, as a subject or a theme?

Boo: What comes to me right away is that water keeps finding me. I really enjoy reflecting on my own relationship with water and finding the many stories, memories and experiences I have with water. As subject matter, it creates a lot of connection in my art-making process, with my audience and with water itself. It allows for many forms and fluidity in the creative process and the way that it’s presented. It’s interesting and exciting, and leaves a lot of room for creative play.

Sarah: What can people expect when they come to the event on November 22?

Boo: They can expect to see light right away, immediately upon entering the building. CRWD’s building is gonna look quite different from how it has ever looked before. Expect to be in a completely imagined world, where you will engage with water and its relationship to climate change through multiple senses. We will be looking, listening,  writing, moving and sharing. It’s gonna be quite spectacular and evocative. I also hope it is empowering.

Lastly, the installations I’m creating will be a place for many levels of engagement altogether. You can come as someone who simply wants to view the art, take a moment off to rest, or connect with people in your community and learn something new. There will be many ways to play and be.

About the artist: Boo McCaleb, also known as Booscapes, is a Minneapolis-based projection artist and creative technologist whose work bridges visual storytelling, community healing, and immersive design. Through their practice, Booscapes transform public spaces with light, color, and soundscapes, reflecting cultural experiences. Their installations center interactivity, the environment, and the collective imagination. With a background in facilitation, public art, and artist advocacy, Boo uses projection as both a tool and source of magic as a pathway toward joy, spirituality, and connection.

Art + Water Workshop: Bodies of Water and Light with Boo McCaleb

Join us on Saturday, November 22, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for an immersive evening of climate storytelling, rooted in watershed science and uplifted with light.

Projection artist Boo McCaleb transforms the interior spaces of Capitol Region Watershed District’s Watershed Learning Center with projected imagery and sound, creating spaces for rest, play, connection and reflection. Wander through the different installations to learn about current and predicted climate impacts in our watershed, and explore ways to shore up hope by being together and sharing our own stories of resilience.

Visit the event page linked below for full details and to register.