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To some, she's a snake charmer; to others, a mermaid. Beautiful and seductive. Protective, yet dangerous. She’s the water spirit, Mami Wata (Mother Water). To get to know her, visit the Fowler Museum through August 10, where you will see how she has been celebrated in sculpture, paintings, on masks and on altars from Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil and the U.S.

"Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas" will be accompanied by lectures, children's activities and a colorful daylong festival April 19. "Splash! A celebration of Mermaids and the Sea" will start off with a procession of mermaids, fish and sea creatures, all costumed contestants vying for cash prizes. There will be food booths, exhibition tours, Congolese music and dance, a snake charmer, art workshops throughout the day and water-science attractions from the Fowler's community partner, Heal the Bay. Youngsters can enjoy sea stars, crabs and sea cucumbers in touch tanks as well as walk through a "kelp forest."

The festival runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fowler Museum.