“Mucky’s Return” Unveiling

The Gowanus community will gather for the unveiling of Mucky’s Return, a new public sculpture by artist and filmmaker Jeff Gipe that honors the legacy of a dolphin—nicknamed ‘Mucky’—that swam into the polluted waters of the Gowanus Canal in 2013. The event will feature reflections from Gowanus historian and author Joseph Alexiou, and live music by legendary Gowanus producer and musician Martin Bisi, performing with multidisciplinary artists Laura Ortman, Chapman stickist Dan Gitlin, and Gowanus-based musician Bradford Reed.

Featured Participants: 
Jeff Gipe – Artist and filmmaker
Joseph Alexiou – Journalist and historian of Gowanus
Martin Bisi – Musician, producer, and advocate with Voice of Gowanus
Laura Ortman – Multidisciplinary artist and musician
Dan Gitlin – Chapman stickist, guitarist, and synthesist
Bradford Reed – Gowanus-based musician
Eric Shiner – Powerhouse Arts president

Event Details:
Location: Powerhouse Arts Loading Dock
322 3rd Ave., Brooklyn, NY
Lenapehoking
Date: May 31st, 2025
Time: 2:45–3:45pm 

Mucky’s Return statement by artist Jeff Gipe: 

“Mucky’s Return honors the legacy of a dolphin— nicknamed ‘Mucky’—that swam into the polluted waters of the Gowanus Canal in 2013. The event left a lasting impact on the community, as many watched helplessly as Mucky met a tragic end. Mucky is one of several mammals, including ‘Sludgie’ the baby whale, that have suffered similar fates in the toxic canal.

“For decades, the Gowanus Canal has endured industrial pollution and environmental neglect, ultimately becoming one of the nation’s most contaminated waterways. Now, as the neighborhood transforms from an industrial corridor into a landscape of high-rise housing developments, the canal’s troubled legacy remains a critical part of its story. 

“It is my hope that this installation initiates dialogue, fosters empathy, and inspires reflection on the significance of our shared environment. Just as ‘Mucky’ became a symbol of the potential dangers of the Gowanus Canal, this installation seeks to honor its legacy and inspire collective action to address the canal’s challenges and promote a healthier future for both the environment and the community.”   

Bios:
Joseph Alexiou is a journalist, historian, and licensed New York City tour guide. He is the author of Gowanus: Brooklyn’s Curious Canal, a narrative history of one of America’s most infamous waterways. His writing has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The New York Observer, Gothamist, and Curbed.

Martin Bisi is a legendary producer, musician, and activist based in Brooklyn, New York. Over a career spanning four decades, he has recorded iconic artists like Sonic Youth, Swans, Helmet, and Herbie Hancock at his storied B.C. Studio in Gowanus. In addition to his influential work in music, Bisi is an active member of Voice of Gowanus, a community group advocating for environmental justice and responsible cleanup of the Gowanus Canal.

Laura Ortman is a multidisciplinary artist and musician known for her dynamic performances and experimental compositions. Based in Brooklyn, she works across sound, video, installation, and performance. Ortman has performed at major venues and festivals such as the Whitney Biennial, the Toronto Biennial of Art, and the Sundance Film Festival. 

Dan Gitlin is a Chapman Stickist, guitarist, synthesist, and sample manipulator who performs a combination of structured improvisation and composed music. Gitlin currently performs as a solo artist, as a member of the Martin Bisi Collective and in various other collaborations. 

Bradford Reed is a Gowanus-based musician. He plays an original instrument of his own design and construction, the pencilina. It is an electric ten stringed collision of hammer dulcimer, slide guitar, koto and fretless bass. It is struck with sticks, plucked and bowed providing a wide sonic palette.