Willie Cole, with his Giant (2026), 15-foot sculpture, created with recycled plastic bottles.  Image courtesy of Willie Cole.

2026 U.S. WASH Convening

May 5–7, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

Willie Cole will participate as a featured artist and speaker at the 2026 U.S. WASH Convening, presented by the Vessel® Collective. The gathering brings together representatives from more than 130 organizations, including Indigenous leaders, environmental advocates, researchers, and community organizers working to advance access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Participants include Dr. Crystal Tulley-Cordova, Chief Lora Ann Chaisson, Dr. Shannon McNeeley, Morgan Shimabuku, and Rachel Peletz, as well as representatives from DigDeep, Water For People, the Pacific Institute, and H2O for Life.

Cole will present a monumental 15-foot sculpture constructed from repurposed plastic bottles, demonstrating how discarded materials can become vehicles for environmental awareness and public engagement. His participation emphasizes the importance of creativity, education, and involving younger generations in conversations about sustainability and collective responsibility.