An interdisciplinary arts and science education center powered by sunlight and water.

Columbia Box Board, once a thriving recycling paper mill, now stands idle. We are going to restore and renew this economic engine of Chatham, expanding the mills green history of waterpower and recycling, and bring it into the 21 st century. The mill located at 343 Rt. 295 Chatham, NY 12037, is one mile outside the Village of Chatham. It is also one mile from I90 and the end of the Taconic Parkway, 2 ½ hours from both NYC and Boston. The mill buildings contain 120,000 square feet of usable space that are being renovated and retrofitted to accommodate educational and artistic ventures.  The natural setting of the site, with its stream and waterfall, also contains spaces for open-air courtyards and rooftop areas for green roofs, outdoor stages, demonstration areas and sculpture gardens. 

The SOLAQUA Power & Art center has installed its’ first 12.6 kilowatts of photovoltaic panels on 8 poles along the Stonykill to begin to power the kilns and the complex. We intend to add many more solar panels to create innovative solar sculpture that will transform the old mill into a breathtaking display of art and technology. The hydropower of the Stonykill Creek, with its operating dams and waterfalls, will be harnessed as well.  We have installed our first solar hot water heater, and are doing a solar thermal research project for heating of existing offices, with eventual solar air conditioning. We have been collecting waste veggie oil and have installed a 500,000 btu waste oil boiler to heat 20,000 square feet of Solaqua, recycling existing steam/fan heaters from the mill. Veggie oil will be initially used for fire arts furnaces and burners. Eventually hydrogen will be generated from electricity and water using an electrolyzer.  The hydrogen will replace the veggie oil, creating carbon free arts. The purpose is to show the feasibility and economic advantage of using renewables today. (More information)

The art component of SOLAQUA Power & Art will include an eclectic collection of working studios in a variety of disciplines such as blacksmithing, welding, metals casting, ceramics, papermaking, glassblowing, painting, sculpture, furniture and printmaking.  The performing arts are also included with music, theatre, poetry, and film . Classes, workshops, demonstrations and performances on renewable energy will be available to schools and the public.

Come with us and explore the groundbreaking vision of SOLAQUA Power & Art .