About the artist: Lisa Powers is the owner and developer of Art Explosions’ Multicultural Arts Program for the Fox Model School in Richmond. She enjoys participating in public art initiatives and was selected by former Governor Gilmore to design an ornament for the 2001 White House Christmas tree depicting Patrick Henry’s home place. Powers is also active in G.R.E.A.T., the Greater Richmond Environmental Action Trust and coordinates an activity booth each year for Earth Day. Lisa also volunteeredher time and talents at the 2004 River Stewardship Day helping kids make fish prints.

Description: The shad is decorated with cut glass and beads. Many of the glass pieces have words painted on them that are key actions to protecting the shad and the river environment. Since the shad will be auctioned off for the Schools of Shad project, the name Powers chose for her fish reminds us that the words on the tiles should be our “Standards of Learning” for taking care of the environment. The base is sprayed silver and decorated with crabs, shells and other critters you might find in the shad’s habitat as it moves from the river to the ocean.