Have you ever noticed that innovative solutions to environmental crises are often born from the most unexpected places? 

At Ohio University, Professor John Sabraw and Dr. Guy Riefler have formed one such unique collaboration, redefining the boundaries of art and science through a groundbreaking innovation that transforms toxic mining runoff into vibrant paint pigments. 

These paints are no small drop in the bucket, either; this project is poised to clean over 1.5 million gallons of water, and produce over seven thousand pounds of valuable pigment, every single day, for the next 100+ years. 

This project not only addresses the pressing issue of environmental pollution, but also inspires a new dialogue about sustainability and creativity. 

Professor John Sabraw and Dr. Guy Riefler: Two Minds, One Vision

John Sabraw’s artistic journey began with a deep appreciation for the environment, which has been a constant theme in his work. As a painter, he was increasingly drawn to the concept of using his medium to engage with pressing ecological issues, and his path took a transformative turn when he began exploring the impacts of acid mine drainage—runoff that contains harmful metals from abandoned and improperly sealed coal mines. 

This runoff looks clear when it leaves the mines, but is highly acidic (and at high enough levels, kills everything in the streams) and as it combines with oxygen and sometimes bacteria in the water, it creates deposits of iron oxide—a reddish-brown sludge. This is a significant problem in Ohio, and has already devastated 1,300 miles of local waterways, creating a pressing environmental concern.

Sabraw wanted to figure out how to make paints from the vibrantly-colored material, but had little success. Coincidentally, however, environmental engineer Dr. Guy Riefler also was curious about the same problem (and solution) at the very same time—but he was having an issue with being unable to create paints of a consistency and quality that artists would actually want.

Luckily for both of them—and for all of us—whether by chance or by fate, they happened to meet, and together, Professor Sabraw and Dr. Riefler then combined their expertise with Michelle Shively-McIver who is the Sunday Creek Watershed Coordinator with community action group Rural Action. 

Now this project not only focuses on remedying the toxic legacy of mining, but it is creating stronger, healthier communities, while using the resultant pigments in creative expression, as a sustainable alternative to costly pigment imports.

This transformation is not just about creating new materials, either; it also serves the environment, creating a powerful engine for regeneration and healing. By reclaiming waste, Sabraw emphasizes the potential for recovery—not only of the environment, but also of the cultural narratives surrounding the “inevitability” of  industrial degradation.

Artistic Recognition and Impact

John Sabraw’s innovative approach to art and environmentalism has garnered significant attention over the years, including a feature in TIME Magazine. The publication highlights Sabraw’s journey from artist to environmental advocate, and how his work serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of art and the environment; demonstrating how creativity can play a role in addressing ecological challenges.

The pigments that Sabaw has derived from mining runoff have found their way into exhibitions and galleries, transforming public perception of environmental issues. His installations not only showcase the beauty of these unique pigments, but also invite viewers to contemplate the implications of pollution and the potential for restoration. His work bridges the gap between artistic expression and ecological awareness.

Sabraw and Reefler’s work has also been documented in the film Toxic Art, which explores the journey of transforming hazardous materials into creative expressions. The documentary showcases the innovative methods employed by the pair, while highlighting the broader implications of their work. It emphasizes that art can be a catalyst for dialogue, prompting discussions about environmental justice and the responsibility of individuals and communities to advocate for change. 

As Sabraw notes in the film:

“Art is a way to communicate complex ideas and evoke emotions that lead to action.”

A Vision for the Future

If you are tired of the doom and gloom of the conversation around sustainability, you will enjoy this celebration of fresh ideas that challenge our idea of our role in the movement. In this episode we share a number of tips and insights to help you begin to solve problems in your own environment, including

• Finding your role and staying within your zone of excellence
• Looking for the collaborators you’ll need 
• Using patience to as a pillar of perseverance
• Getting comfortable with wild experimentation and triving from mistakes
• Thinking big when goal setting
• Taking the problem and turning it into a resource

As environmental concerns continue to escalate globally, the need for innovative solutions like those offered by Sabraw and Reefler has never been more critical. Their pioneering work serves as a blueprint for how art can address real-world issues, merging creativity with activism in meaningful and awe-inspiring ways.

 If you are someone whose own zone of excellence lies outside of this particular sphere, and you still want to help, you can donate to John Sabraw Fund for Arts and Innovation, as well as to Rural Action, and help support the students and scientists working to clean the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

Looking ahead, Sabraw and Riefler envision expanding their project to include more mining runoff sites, and into the installation of walking paths and other forms of artistic expression in the clean wetlands that will lay below the new water cleaning facilities. They plan community workshops that empower local artists and residents to engage with their environment—and by teaching techniques for reclaiming materials and creating art from waste, they inspire a grassroots movement that prioritizes sustainability in art.

• Follow John on Instagram
• Website: John Sabraw
• Website: Gamblin Reclaimed Colors
• TIME Magazine Article:  An Ohio Artist and Activist is Turning Acid Mine Pollution Into Paint
• Toxic Art Documentary
• Video: First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy
• Website: Rural Action
• John Sabraw Fund

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 04:32 – Historical Context of Ohio’s Pollution Problem
• 12:00 – The Project’s Origins
• 17:02 – Discovering Pollution and Creating Pigments
• 25:54 – Break
• 29:13 – Managing Patience and Group Collaboration
• 33:44 – The Importance of a Diverse Skill Set in Collaboration
• 40:19 – Creating a 3D Printed Sculpture Garden
• 45:18 – Collaboration and Its Potential
• 51:08 – The Fun and Adventure in Solving Large-Scale Problems
• 55:00 – Final Reflections on the Importance of Perspective
• 58:12 – Closing