World Ocean Weekend Celebration

2022

In recognition of World Ocean Day 2022, the W South Beach presents the 2nd Annual World Ocean Weekend Celebration on June 11th & 12th. Coordinated by Blue Scholars Initiative and ARTSail, the World Ocean Weekend Celebration is designed to raise awareness around our one world ocean through community engagement and volunteer impact. During the first day of the event I showcased two projects: a coral ecology lesson and a coral sculpting class with after school programs around Miami-Dade called Modeling the Reef and the endangered species Art Flags. On the second day of the even I participated on a panel discussion with five influential Ocean Warriors representing some of the most engaging non-profits that span the fields of conservation, education and the visual arts. Participating speakers include: Meredith Bass, Blue Scholars Initiative Ana Teresa Fernandez, On the Horizon artist, Lauren Reilly, MUVE at the Frost Museum of Science Maggie Winchester, The International SeaKeepers Society. Moderated by Ombretta Agró Andruff of ARTSail.

Modeling the Reef is an interdisciplinary public education and art project designed by Beatriz Chachamovits to provide access to and awareness of ecological, social, and craft knowledge to students from middle to high school. The project consists of two phases with distinct learning and material outcomes. Students will first discover Miami's underwater ecosystems through an interactive marine ecology lesson followed by a coral sculpting workshop led by Beatriz on how to craft their own ceramic coral sculptures. All sculptures produces by the students during the workshops has been shown during the event alongside some of the artists sculptures. Workshops were held with Breakthrough Miami, Overtown Optimist Club, The Motivational Edge and high school students that participated on Creative Vizcaya from Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. More than 300 students participated during the workshops.