Chautauqua Institution today announced the Washed Ashore-Art to Save the Sea exhibition, is now open for public viewing on the beautiful grounds of Chautauqua. Composed of 14 remarkable sculptures, the exhibition portrays marine creatures that have been adversely affected by the devastating presence of plastic pollution. Meticulously crafted, these sculptures are composed entirely of debris that has washed ashore on the beaches of Southern Oregon. By seamlessly blending artistry with scientific insight, this exhibition strives to foster a deep understanding of the environmental consequences of plastic while inspiring individuals to participate in reducing plastic consumption and embracing recycling practices actively.  

The exhibit will open June 25 and run through Oct 31, with additional programming throughout the season featuring films, lectures, walking tours and displays focused on plastics in our environment, and offer our community members the opportunity to take positive actions moving beyond single use plastics. 

“Art has served to inspire and communicate for humans for centuries, and now Washed Ashore is using that power to impact ocean conservation.” shared Washed Ashore’s Conservation/Education Director Brad Parks. “With our Art to Save the Sea you have a glimpse of the problem through the number and scale of the sculptures and can connect with our Animal Ambassadors to discover how your actions can help protect them from plastic pollution.”   

As a component of our Climate Change Initiative, we have planned to distribute 2,500 reusable bottles as gifts to individuals who commit to reducing their plastic consumption. This will be available at various tables throughout the premises and at the weekly Sunday activity fair held at Bestor Plaza. Moreover, additional refill stations have been installed at Odland Plaza (outside of the Chautauqua Amphitheater) and inside Bellinger Residence Hall. 

Additional programming includes: 

July 19, 9:15–10:14 p.m.: Dr. Sam Mason, microplastics researcher. Chautauqua Science Group-Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative lecture, Hurlbut Sanctuary. 

August 16, 2–3:15 p.m.: Marcus Erikson, 5gyres project. Special lecture on combatting plastics in our oceans. Smith Wilkes Hall. 

August 12–19: 5gyres project educational installation. On display at Smith Memorial Library 

August 16, 7–8:30 p.m.: Ocean Plastics Double Feature and post-film discussion with Marcus Erikson: Chautauqua Cinema. 

We will present the documentary film Plastic Earth with a post-film discussion with director Janice Overbeck at the Chautauqua Cinema. Periodic tabling at Odland Plaza, near our new water refill station, before and after Amphitheater events, will round out the educational programming surround the Washed Ashore exhibit.  

“As a lifelong environmental advocate, I have found that the best way to engage people is through inspiration, not fear,” shared Director of Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative Mark Wenzler Director of Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative Mark Wenzler said. “Washed Ashore’s inspiring and educational sculptures help us open the door to conversations throughout the summer about solving the global plastics crisis.” 

To view this exhibit, admission to the grounds is free prior to and after the Summer Assembly (June 24–August 27), as well as on Sundays during the Assembly period, on July 20 for Chautauqua County residents (Chautauqua County Day) and on August 8 for Buffalo area residents (Buffalo Day). Partial-day and multi-day gate passes for other days during the Summer Assembly may be purchased online at tickets.chq.org or in-person at the Robert R. Hesse Welcome and Business Center located at 1 Massey Avenue in Chautauqua. 

To follow our self-guided tour and to learn more about our programming, visit chq.org/washed-ashore. 

The children’s book Washed Ashore: Making Art From Ocean Plastic is now available at the Chautauqua Bookstore. 

For more information about Washed Ashore, visit washedashore.org. For more information about Chautauqua’s sustainability initiatives, visit climate.chq.org. 

Washed Ashore at Chautauqua is made possible by the generous support of Jane Batten. 

ABOUT WASHED ASHORE 
Washed Ashore, Art to Save the Sea is the foundational project of Artula, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities to express and teach environmental issues through the arts. Washed Ashore features aesthetically powerful art to educate a global audience about plastic pollution in the ocean and waterways and to spark positive changes in consumer habits. In ten years, Washed Ashore has processed over 35 tons of plastic pollution from the Pacific Northwest’s Ocean beaches to create over 85 works of art that are awakening the hearts and minds of viewers to the global marine debris crisis.  

Washed Ashore has exhibited their giant sculptures at many noteworthy venues including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Disney and many Zoos, Aquariums and Botanical Gardens across the United States.  
 

ABOUT CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION 
Chautauqua Institution is a community on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York state that comes alive each summer — and year-round through the CHQ Assembly online platforms — with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. As a community, we celebrate, encourage and study the arts and treat them as integral to all of learning, and we convene the critical conversations of the day to advance understanding through engaged dialogue. 

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