“Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea” to Land at Washburn University

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University is proud to be a part of the "Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea" traveling exhibit, which will be in Topeka from May 18 through Sept. 13. The exhibit transforms ocean pollution into striking works of art, featuring massive marine-animal sculptures made entirely from debris collected from beaches.

Washburn University Unveiling Monday, May 18

Zorabelle, the rockhopper penguin, will be unveiled at 3 p.m. today, Monday, May 18, on the main level of the Memorial Union on the Washburn University campus. The public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

Visit the exhibit after the unveiling during the Memorial Union's open hours. The Memorial Union's hours of operation will vary this summer based on events and activities. Weekly hours are posted at washburn.edu/student-life/memorial-union/hours.html.

To learn more, visit washburn.edu/about/community/washed-ashore.html.

Mulvane Art Lab Sculpture

A new sculpture inspired by "Washed Ashore" - a monarch butterfly designed and created this spring by 16 elementary school students from Topeka Public Schools USD 501 - will be on display at the Mulvane Art Lab. USD 501 educators, Washburn University students and community partners guided the project.

The monarch butterfly sculpture will be unveiled at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at the Mulvane Art Lab. Arts and crafts activities will follow the unveiling. The public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. The Mulvane Art Lab is open to the public from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

"The monarch butterfly sculpture project has provided a wonderful opportunity for Washburn art education students to partner with area students and educators," said Deena Amont, Catron art educator and public outreach lecturer, Washburn. "As future art educators, they gained valuable hands-on experience that enhanced their classroom learning."

"In my future career, I will prioritize the lessons of flexibility and collaborative agency that I observed during this project," said Jason Wright, senior art education major, Washburn. "One of the most striking observations was how students' motivation increased when they had autonomy over specific sections of the sculpture, such as deciding which materials best mimicked the texture of a wing. I plan to incorporate more open-ended, choice-based projects into my classroom that allow students to act as lead designers. I also saw how an all-hands-on-deck approach enriched the learning environment by providing students with diverse perspectives and individualized support during the technical phases of construction."

Additional "Washed Ashore" Sculptures

The public is invited to attend the remaining "Washed Ashore" sculpture unveilings this week:

• 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 - NOTO Arts Center
• 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 20 - Kansas Children's Discovery Center
• 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21 - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
• 10 a.m. Friday, May 22 - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
  
  

Each larger-than-life sculpture displayed across the city highlights the impact of plastic waste on waterways and wildlife while encouraging action for cleaner oceans and a healthier environment. Visitors of all ages will discover artistry, creativity and conservation messages woven into every piece.

It is free to view the sculptures at Washburn, the Mulvane Art Lab, NOTO Arts Center and Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Regular admission applies to the sculptures located inside Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center and Kansas Children's Discovery Center.

Rotary Club of Topeka, Dillons Food Stores, Security Benefit, Visit Topeka and Envista Credit Union helped bring the exhibit to the community.

To learn more about the "Washed Ashore" project, visit washedashore.org.

Closing Celebration Aug. 29

Washburn University's Mulvane Art Museum will host a closing celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Mulvane Art Museum, for the "Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea" exhibit. The community event will include art activities including a StoneLion Puppet Theater workshop, face painting and a food truck.

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For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: [email protected]