In March of 2023, the two artist collaborators of Sea Level Rise Architecture Institute (S.L.R.A.I.I.), Jason Lazarus and Laurencia Strauss, came to PSA-MS to host a public workshop to ask residents about their thoughts, fears, and desires about McComb’s relationship with water and climate. At the workshop, there was a short film screening, a conversation, and an activity outside where the artists unfurled a 431 ft long rope that represents the number of feet McComb rests above sea level.
After that visit, they developed a survey to gather information to use in a permanent outdoor light sculpture they are designing to install at PSA-MS (an artist’s rendering of the work is above). Questions for the community included: “How did hurricane Katrina affect your family and friends in McComb? During Katrina, McComb served as a climate refuge; do you see future climate refugees as a threat or a blessing? How do you see the next 50-100 years regarding McComb’s relationship with water? What is your biggest desire for water’s role with McComb?” The lightwork will be installed on the south exterior of the building during renovation in 2024.
To participate in the survey, click HERE. Survey questions are below: