Over of plastic, which accounts for 85 per cent of all marine waste, enters our oceans every year. According to an assessment conducted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), plastic pollution is on course to .
All marine life forms, from shellfish to sea mammals, are at dire risk of toxification, entanglement, and starvation as a result of plastic disturbance in their habitats. Humans are also vulnerable to the effects of plastic substances coming into contact with ocean waters, which can result in from reproductive abnormalities to cancer.
Starting this month, those in the Metro Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»area who want to take action against ocean pollution are invited to check out a new FREE traveling art exhibit inspired by ocean sustainability.
From February 23 to April 30, 2022, will be on display in the Grand Court at in Burnaby, marking the first time the exhibit will be hosted in Western Canada.
Originally created in Oregon, the one-of-a-kind sustainable art sculpture exhibit was designed to educate visitors on the importance of sustainability and reducing plastics from our oceans. The touring exhibit has since been featured at the Smithsonian, the National Museum of Natural History, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Walt Disney World Resort, and across many zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens in the United States.
Washed Ashore consists of intricate and beautifully-crafted sea life sculptures made entirely of marine debris collected from the Pacific Ocean and upcycled into sea-saving art. In ten years, the traveling exhibit has processed over 35 tons of plastic pollution from the Pacific Northwest’s ocean shorelines to create over 85 works of art that are awakening viewers to the global marine debris crisis.
Grace the Humpback Whale Tail. Photo: Washed Ashore
The collection on display at Metropolis features 9 giant marine wildlife sculptures, with the largest sculptures Grace the Humpback Whale Tail (spanning 10 ft high and 12 ft long and weighing 1800 lbs) and Octavia the Octopus (spanning 9 ft high and 12 ft long and weighing 1200 lbs).
Each sculpture highlights what types of waste can be found in our waterways, from beach toys and plastic containers, to automobile tires and electronics.
This exhibit is a part of Metropolis at Metrotown’s initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and waste reduction, both within the shopping centre and throughout the local community.
“We’re thrilled to showcase this exhibit in Western Canada, where we are deeply connected to the ocean,” says Alice Wong, Marketing Manager for Metropolis at Metrotown. “We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to experience this unique exhibit.”
Washed Ashore is open during mall hours with health and safety protocols in place for a family-friendly experience.
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.
Visit for more information on the Washed Ashore exhibit at Metropolis at Metrotown.
