TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Two sculptures have been unveiled as the final artworks of the Topeka Zoo’s ‘Washed Ashore’ art exhibit.
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is a citywide exhibit at several Topeka locations featuring large-scale marine life sculptures, all made entirely out of ocean debris that, as Topeka Zoo’s director of conservation, Dennis Dinwiddie says, “literally washed ashore.”
Every piece of debris that makes up the sculptures has been collected from beaches and incorporated into them to convey a message: reducing the use and production of plastic and actively recycling such products.
“They are beautiful sculptures but with a powerful message that we need to produce and use less plastic, especially less single-use plastic, and when we do use plastic, that we need to ensure that it is recycled correctly,” Dinnwiddie said. “Washed Ashore helps people see the impact of single-use plastics and ocean pollution in a way that is immediate and unforgettable. It creates an emotional connection and reminds us that even here in Kansas, our choices matter.”
Along with the Topeka Zoo, the other host locations of the other featured sculptures are:
- Washburn University’s Memorial Union, featuring a sculpture of the Emperor Penguin
Five other projects are set to be unveiled throughout the week, leading up to the Topeka Zoo’s own reveal on Friday.(BRYAN GRABAUSKAS | WIBW)
- The Noto Arts Center, featuring a sculpture of the Monarch Butterfly
Students from Topeka Public Schools collaborated to make a Monarch Butterfly sculpture stationed in the NOTO Arts Center.(WIBW)
- The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
- The Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library
“So, make the rounds. Travel around the community and view this true community exhibit on plastics and what we can do to reduce our plastic footprint, and enjoy these beautiful sculptures as you do.”
The Rotary Club of Topeka, Envista Credit Union, Security Benefit, Dillon’s, and Visit Topeka are all sponsors of the exhibit.
Each sculpture will be available to view at each location through September 13.
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