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Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea Opens at the Garden Through September 30
Trash is making a splash in the Garden this spring. Come see beautiful sculptures made of “trashy” finds, explore our “trashy” past, and learn how we can all be a little less “trashy” with the Garden’s latest exhibit, Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea. Sixteen giant creatures made from beach debris have washed ashore and landed at the Garden through September.
Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea is a non-profit organization committed to combating plastic pollution through art and education. These 16 sculptures, which consist primarily of sea creatures, were built by the organization and its volunteers to inspire and spark positive changes in consumer habits. The Garden, having been built atop a sanitary landfill, has been proof throughout the past 60-plus years that beautiful things can come from trashy pasts. With this exhibit, we further explore the concept, as well as the education behind what we can ALL do to limit waste, particularly our single-plastic use.
When you visit the exhibit, we will ask you to sign our pledge to make wiser choices. Will you pledge to do better?
Signatures Collected So Far: 239
Come Meet…
Edward the Leatherback Turtle
“Hi! It’s nice to meet you, I’m Edward. I’m made of golf balls, toy tires, flip flops, bottle caps and water pitchers… weird right? I often accidentally eat plastic bags floating in the ocean because I mistake them for Jelly fish. Biiiiig whoops. Turtles like me are going extinct because of all of these ocean plastics. Come visit me at the Garden to learn more!”
Octavia the Octopus
“Hello friends! I’m made from quite a few things – disposable lighters, bottle caps, beach toys, a plastic chair and even a dog leash.. woof. I’m a Giant Pacific Octopus, and can grow over 20 feet in length… but that means I need wide open spaces, not debri-filled water. Come see me at the Garden and we can talk more about it!”
Lidia the Seal
“Why hello there! I know what you’re thinking… I’m pretty cute. But what I’m made from is not. I got my name from the variety of lids that make up my body. I’m also made from buoys, beach toys, shoes and more. I’m a pretty curious creature, which is how I got a net caught around my neck. How can you help me? Head to the Garden to find out!”
Ticket Information
Please note: Washed Ashore is included with Garden General Admission, so it’s free for Members. Want to take advantage of the FREE daily Garden admission? Become a Member!
Fun Facts About Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea
- Washed Ashore has cleaned 300+ miles of beaches
- 95% of all debris collected is used in Washed Ashore’s artwork
- Washed Ashore has created 60+ sculptures, only 16 of which will be on display at the Garden
- 38,000+ pounds of marine debris has been processed
- 14,000+ hours have been contributed by volunteers
- 10,000+ volunteers have participated in Washed Ashore’s efforts
Sponsored By
Community Sponsors
The Friesl Family | Dorothy and Allen Lay | Timothy M. Keenan Trust
Associate Sponsors
The Catlett and Harmon Famlies | Hitachi Southern California Regional Community Action Committee | Lynn and Steve Lord | Teresa and Michael Molina | Audra Platz and Brent Enright | Melissa and Tyler Polson | Smog City Brewing |
Ann Steiner and Mary Steiner