The Tang Museum at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs will open a new show on September 26, 2026 titled “500 Dams: Art, Ecology, and Radical Care.” The exhibition documents a twenty‑year project aimed at restoring grasslands across New Mexico, using a series of constructed dams as both artistic interventions and ecological tools.
“500 Dams” follows the evolution of the restoration effort from its initial planning stages through the latest field work. By presenting the physical structures alongside visual and conceptual works, the museum highlights how artistic practice can intersect with scientific approaches to land management. The display emphasizes the role of small‑scale water retention features in reviving native plant communities and supporting wildlife.
The Tang Museum, a cultural hub on the Skidmore College campus, frames the exhibition within its broader commitment to interdisciplinary programming. Curators describe the project as an example of “radical care,” a term that captures the blend of artistic vision and ecological responsibility. Visitors will encounter photographs, maps, and models that trace the placement of each dam and its impact on soil moisture, species diversity, and landscape resilience.
Opening the show in Saratoga Springs brings attention to a remote New Mexican landscape while underscoring the relevance of place‑based environmental art in urban settings. The museum’s schedule includes guided tours and talks that explore the partnership between artists, scientists, and local land stewards. By spotlighting the long‑term regeneration of grasslands, the exhibition aims to inspire broader conversations about sustainable land use and the potential for creative collaboration in ecological restoration.