A floating tribute to the water deity Mami Wata (pidgin English for "Mother Water") set sail on Lake Mendota on Saturday to kick off the upcoming Chazen Museum of Art's "Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas."

Local artists and art organizations painted sails for the regatta, which was organized with help from Hoofer Sailing Club. A parade of lighted boats wrapped up the event.

Running from Oct. 18 through Jan. 11, the Chazen exhibit explores the importance of Mami Wata in art from West and Central Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the United States. Images of mermaids and snake charmers frequently characterize the water spirit, whose image is reflected in sculpture, paintings, masks and other works of art, and speak to the sacred nature of water.