What do the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, the Kelly Clarkson Show and Burnaby’s Metropolis at Metrotown have in common?
They are all hosts of Washed Ashore, a sustainable art sculpture exhibit made entirely from waste washed up on the ocean shorelines. The Washed Ashore Exhibit is on display in the Grand Court of Metropolis at Metrotown from now until April 30.
The Washed Ashore exhibit consists of 9 giant marine wildlife sculptures made entirely of waste that has been collected from the Pacific Ocean. Originally from Oregon in the U.S., this is the first time the exhibit will be in Western Canada.
Approximately six million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year, say the organizers of the exhibit.
“Each sculpture on display highlights what types of waste can be found in the ocean, from beach toys and plastic containers to automobile tires and electronics,” said a news release. Some of the marine sculptures on display at Metropolis include Octavia the Octopus, weighing 1,200 pounds, and Grace the Humpback Whale Tail, which is 10-feet tall and weighing 1,800 pounds.
“The Washed Ashore Exhibit is a beautiful and impactful art display, created to educate visitors on the importance of sustainability and reducing plastics from our oceans,” said Alice Wong, marketing manager for Metropolis at Metrotown, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to showcase this exhibit in Western Canada, where we are deeply connected to the ocean. I look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to experience this unique exhibit.”
Visitors are encouraged to take photos of their experience at the exhibit, share on Instagram, and tag #METWashedAshore @metropolisatmet for a chance to win a weekly prize package, including a Metropolis gift card.
This exhibit is free to the public to view during mall hours at Metropolis. To help ensure the health and safety of visitors, there will be a reduced number of touchpoints and one-way directional floor decals. Volunteers will be onsite to help sanitize high touchpoint surfaces and ensure social distancing measures are followed.
