A unique new art installation in Galveston is drawing attention to the issue of pollution in the community. The Galveston Park Board and Visit Galveston have teamed up with the Washed Ashore Project, a nonprofit focused on ocean conservation, to create a permanent public sculpture made entirely from trash.
This sculpture, which takes the form of a Reddish Egret, is designed to raise awareness about the pollution that affects the coastline, especially plastic waste.
Washed Ashore Project: Turning Trash Into Art
The Washed Ashore Project is dedicated to using marine debris—mainly plastic waste—collected from beaches to create stunning art pieces. Their goal is not just to create eye-catching sculptures but to educate people about the dangers of plastic pollution in the ocean.
Through these sculptures, the nonprofit aims to inspire individuals to rethink their consumer habits and reduce waste, ultimately promoting cleaner oceans and shorelines.
Washed Ashore has been traveling across North America, showcasing its art and educating the public. In Galveston, their efforts are well-known, as they displayed more than 20 sculptures around the city and Pelican Island from late 2022 to early 2023.
These artworks are not only a form of public art but also a tool for raising awareness and sparking change.
The Reddish Egret Sculpture: A Symbol of Galveston’s Commitment to Conservation
The new Reddish Egret sculpture in Galveston is special because it will remain in the city permanently. This marks a first for Washed Ashore, as previous sculptures have been part of traveling exhibitions.
The sculpture is a tribute to the Reddish Egret, the official bird of Galveston, which is also classified as a threatened species. This installation will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of protecting both the local wildlife and the environment.
Galveston-based artist Evan McClimans was selected to create this unique sculpture. McClimans, whose work has been featured across the city, used trash collected by volunteers and coastal staff from the island’s beaches to craft the egret.
The use of local pollution to create the piece is a striking way to show how waste from everyday life impacts the environment.
A Community Effort: Beach Cleanups and Donations
While the sculpture is an impressive visual statement, the mission behind it goes beyond just art. Washed Ashore and the Galveston Park Board continue to call for local volunteers to help clean up the beaches.
The ongoing beach cleanups are a crucial part of the effort to reduce pollution in the area, and they rely on the support of the community to make a real impact.
In addition, Washed Ashore is accepting donations to fund their work in Galveston and other cities. Donations help the nonprofit organize cleanups, engage volunteers, and create more impactful artworks. Those interested in supporting the cause can contribute through the Washed Ashore website.
A Permanent Reminder of Our Responsibility
The Reddish Egret sculpture in Galveston stands as a powerful reminder of the role pollution plays in damaging natural habitats. Through art, education, and community involvement, the Washed Ashore Project is working to inspire action and change.
The collaboration between local organizations and the nonprofit aims to make Galveston’s beaches cleaner while also raising awareness about the urgent need to reduce plastic waste.
The installation, along with the ongoing cleanup efforts, demonstrates the power of community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. It shows how small actions, like volunteering or donating, can have a big impact on the future of Galveston’s coastline and the health of the planet.
