Look what washed up

Making plastic fantastic, with ‘Washed Ashore’

Some compelling art has washed up on the lawns at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

“Washed Ashore,” a touring exhibit of sea life sculptures made entirely of marine debris, is bringing its message of ocean stewardship to the Central Oregon Coast. Thanks to the generosity of regional funders and foundations, the 19-piece collection will be on display indoors and out at the center through March 13. 

The grand opening weekend includes a ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 22, a presentation by founder Angela Haseltine Pozzi on Saturday, Oct. 23 and free screenings of the film “Washed Ashore” on both Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24, in the cultural center auditorium.

Pozzi founded the Washed Ashore project in 2010, using debris she collected from the beaches in Bandon. In the 11 years since, the sculptures have traveled all over the country, from the Smithsonian Institution to the San Francisco Zoo and SeaWorld Orlando. Everywhere they go, Washed Ashore’s engaging creatures graphically illustrate the tragedy of plastic pollution in our ocean and waterways.

“The ultimate goal of a Washed Ashore exhibit is to use the power of the arts to spark change in consumer habits,” Pozzi said. “As viewers are lured to look more closely by the beauty and craftsmanship of the art, all ages are shocked and motivated to learn more about the issue of plastic pollution. The viewers themselves are then gently guided with signage to take personal action in a way they can embrace. We teach that, truly, every action counts to save the sea.”  

It’s a message with special relevance to the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located just a few blocks from the beach along one of the busiest stretches of Highway 101.

The public is invited to enjoy Priscilla the Parrot Fish, 16 feet long and 9 feet tall, along with Flash the Blue Marlin, Gertrude the Penguin, Chompers the Shark, Stanley the Sturgeon and the American Sea Star, arrayed on the cultural center’s west lawn. Inside the auditorium, visitors will find 10-foot long Leo Jelly and a “bloom” of smaller jellies, as well as the adorable tall Giacometti the River Otter.

All of the art is made from colorful marine debris, mostly plastic, and is combined with scientifically based educational signage to teach children and adults about ocean stewardship, responsible consumer habits and what they can do to help.

Since 2010, more than 10,000 volunteers have participated in the project, helping Pozzi and her team to create more than 80 sculptures using more than 38,000 pounds of marine debris. After serving as lead artist for more than a decade, Pozzi is passing this role to Washed Ashore veteran Steve Wright. 

To join in the project, the cultural center team will begin working on a hands-on educational art project using marine debris and other un-recycled plastics, in coordination with teachers at local schools. The goal is to provide a field trip and a curriculum-based art-making experience for every school-age child in the north Lincoln County area. 

Want to help? The cultural center is looking for the following local assistance as it prepares for the Washed Ashore exhibit: volunteer docents, with training provided by Washed Ashore; community partners, conservation, art or civic groups to hold coordinated events; and additional monetary donations in any amount.

The cultural center is located at 540 NE Hwy. 101, inside the historic Delake School. For information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct. 22         

10 to 4 pm: Auditorium open for viewing 

5 pm: Ribbon cutting with Lincoln City Chamber Ambassadors

5 to 6 pm: Auditorium exhibits open

Saturday, Oct. 23

10 am to noon: Auditorium closed for docent training (free, must pre-register at 541-994-9994)

1 pm: Free screening of “Washed Ashore” movie

2:30 to 4 pm: Auditorium open to the public

6 pm: “Get Inspired” presentation by Angela Haseltine Pozzi, $25

Sunday, Oct. 24

10 am to 1 pm: Auditorium open for viewing

1 pm: Free screening of “Washed Ashore” movie, in the auditorium

2:30 to 4 pm: Auditorium open for viewing