WORLD OCEAN CELEBRATION - DAY #7 - SHEROES OF THE OCEAN PANEL

WHEN: FRIDAY JUNE 6th, 7PM - 9:30PM

WHERE: 1 Hotel South Beach, 2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Celebrate the incredible contributions of women leading the charge in ocean conservation! This inspiring event will feature a dynamic group of female leaders, scientists, and activists who are making waves in ocean advocacy and research. Hear their stories of perseverance, passion, and innovation as they discuss the challenges they’ve overcome and the important work they’re doing to protect our planet’s blue heart. Join us for a cocktail reception with light bites and an empowering evening that highlights the strength, vision, and dedication of these Ocean Sheroes!

Let's get together one more time for our signature event, the Sheroes of the Ocean panel, hosted by the 1Hotel South Beach.  Moderated by ARTSail Founder and Executive Director, Ombretta Agro' Andruff, this dynamic conversation features TV personality and science communicator Danni Washington; sustainable seafood expert Alejandra Sanchez, Founder of Seafood Ninja; Director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at University of Miami, Dr. Catherine MacDonald; WOC 2025 featured artist Lauren Shapiro, and Dr. Shelby Thomas. Together, they’ll share powerful stories from the frontlines of ocean protection.

SAVE THE DATE! LARGEST WORLD OCEAN CELEBRATION COMING TO MIAMI!!

Get ready for a remarkable journey as the World Ocean Celebration returns to South Florida, hosted by Blue Scholars Initiative and ARTSail. This immersive, 9-day event, presented by Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, will showcase inspiring activities, environmental awareness, art installations, and community engagement, all dedicated to celebrating and protecting our ONE world ocean.

On this special occasion, Miami transforms into a hub for ocean conservation, blending creativity, education, and action. From beach cleanups and youth workshops to art exhibitions and public panels, the event will offer something for everyone, encouraging deeper connections to the ocean and highlighting the importance of safeguarding its future.

APRIL 22 - EARTH DAY PANEL AT LOWE ART MUSEUM / UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Join Us on Earth Day! We are honored to be part of a panel on Earth Day, April 22, at the Lowe Art Museum, where exceptional creative and scientific minds will exchange ideas on how to best collaborate to inspire ever larger audiences to care for our environment.  SCAN the QR code above for tickets.

Science and Art Collaborations workshop proceedings by NASEM are out!

On February 19, 2024, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Gulf Research Program and the Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences convened a one-day workshop at the 2024 Gulf of Mexico Conference in Tampa, Florida focused on artist and scientist collaborations - and how they could support and inspire a healthy, resilient, and sustainable future across Gulf Coast communities. An ad hoc committee, including ARTSail Founder Ombretta Agro’ Andruff, planned a workshop that delved into areas including creative problem-solving, ways to understand and engage with complex topics through creative practices, mutual learning and educational opportunities that result from artists and scientists working together, and how art and science collaborations can elevate community voices.

Congratulations to our colleagues at the Gulf Research Program for seeing this through!

Celebrating the establishment of #SHE Changes Ocean!

We are ecstatic to be invited, as a founding member, to join the brand-new collective SHE Changes Ocean, spearheaded by another fierce ocean advocate, Antoinette Vermilye, a co-founder of SHE Changes Climate – a movement uniting a coalition of women and women-led organizations promoting inclusive solutions to climate, social justice and gender balance.

SHE Changes Ocean was created as an informal vessel to harness our collective resources and networks with a clear mission: to amplify the visibility and expertise of women at global and local ocean events, which remain largely dominated by patriarchal structures. The initiative strives to elevate women into leadership roles within the ocean conservation movement, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.

Other members of this powerhouse cohort are: Andi Cross, Impact Strategist, Expedition Lead, Writer & Divemaster for Edges of the Earth; Cristina Rocha Antunes, Founder of United by the Sea; Cristina Tebar Less, Environmental Lawyer and Chair of Women for Sea; Farah Obaidullah, Founder of Women4Oceans, a project of The Ocean and Us; Mamta Borgoyary, Executive Director of SHE Changes Climate; Taïme Smit Pellure, Marine Biologist and Activist, Co-founder of Acción Océanos; and Victoria Ramm, Development Manager of Sea Shepherd Global.

I’m truly honored to be among such inspiring ocean protectors, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together! I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for all of us as we explore innovative, impactful and creative ways to safeguard our beloved One World Ocean!”

ARTSail featured in January issue of Seven Seas Media - Women in Ocean Conservation

We are thrilled and grateful to be highlighted amongst such an inspiring group of women who are leading the charge in ocean conservation!

READ OUR PROFILE HERE.

END-OF-YEAR CAMPAIGN IN FULL SWING!

As the year draws to a close, ARTSail invites all ocean lovers to join us in supporting our mission to protect our waterways through the transforming power of art, science and activism. Your end-of-year donation fuels groundbreaking projects that tackle climate change and pollution, inspiring action and innovation for a more sustainable future.

Every contribution helps us amplify creativity and advocacy, empowering artists, scientists, and communities to safeguard our planet for generations to come. TOGETHER we can make waves that truly matter!

DONATE TODAY and help us reach and surpass our $10,000 goal!

WATERSCAPES: A TALE OF TWO WETLANDS - From the Everglades to the Venice Lagoon and back

We are thrilled to announce the completion of Phase 1 of Waterscapes: A Tale of Two Wetlands, ARTSail first project in Europe.

Waterscapes is a multidisciplinary project that brings together, artists, curators, marine biologists, activists, teachers, policymakers, national and international, non-profit organizations to work with youth and, the public at large on both sides of the Atlantic. The project kicked off with a two-week residency that brought conservation artist Deborah Mitchell to Venice to investigate similarities and differences between the Venice Lagoon and the Florida wetlands.

Mitchell’s residency in Venice was organized in collaboration with artist and activist Roberta Da Soller. Da Soller’s extensive knowledge of the lagoon’s fragile ecosystems, her activism within the Comitato No Grandi Navi (No Large Ships Committee), and her wide network of scientists and researchers focused on environmental issues, such as researcher Debora Bellafiore, made her the ideal partner for ARTSail.

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ABOUT THE NEXT PHASES OF THE PROJECT!

This project was supported in part by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners. And by Cristina Boeri and Brad Hallock.

DISCOVER THE MIAMI BEACH NEAR SHORE REEF @ the MBPL on Tuesday June 25

As Ocean Month wraps up, don’t miss the special event at the Miami Beach Public Library on Tuesday June 25! Join Miami Beach resident and environmental advocate David Grieser and Dr. Allyson DeMerlis of The University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, as they discuss a hidden gem in our community! The conversation is moderated by Ombretta Agro’ Andruff, ARTSail.

The evening will begin with a tour of the exhibition "Become Ocean," curated by Ombretta Agro’ Andruff and on display until August 31st. This will be followed by an insightful presentation in the Auditorium, highlighting the importance of coral reefs, particularly the resilience of urban corals. The presentation will also introduce the Miami Beach Near Shore Reef, a hidden gem in our watery backyard that many residents and visitors are unaware of.

This free event is open to everyone, so come and join us! Our local reef is depending on us!

Location: Miami Beach Public Library, 227 22nd Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Time: 6:00-7:30PM

SAVE THE DATE - 4th ANNUAL WORLD OCEAN CELEBRATION, JUNE 8 2024

Join us for the 4th Annual World Ocean Day Celebration!

We are thrilled to invite you to our 4th Annual World Ocean Day Celebration, where we will come together to honor and protect our planet's most precious resource: the ocean. Presented by Ocean Bank, and coordinated by ARTSail and Blue Scholars Initiative, more than 20 local and national organizations and artists are collaborating to make this another unforgettable day of community engagement and volunteer impact. Let's come together to celebrate the beauty and importance of our shared ocean and commit to taking action to safeguard it for future generations. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a global movement for ocean conservation.

Please note that some events require registration/tickets

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024

8:00AM - 12:00PM

35TH STREET BEACH

COLLINS AVE & 35TH STREET, MIAMI BEACH

~ Public FREE Event ~

WATER RECREATION AND ENGAGEMENT:

8:00AM - 9:00AM

• 30min Ocean Mile Challenge Exhibition Swim with Full Circle Coaching >>> REGISTER <<<

8:30AM - 9:30AM

• Pilates on the Beach with Pilates for the People >>> REGISTER HERE <<<

9:00AM - 10:00AM

• Ceremonial Paddle-Out with Surfrider Miami (personal paddle-craft required) >>> REGISTER<<<

• Youth Ocean Swim Instruction with Breathe and Splash Swim School and Mermaid Merle >>> PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT <<<

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND IMPACT:

10:00AM - 12:00PM

• Beach Cleanup with Clean Miami Beach and The International SeaKeepers Society >>> REGISTER <<<

• Dune Restoration with Surfrider Miami >>> REGISTER <<<

• Water Quality Testing with Blue Water Task Force and EarthEcho International

OCEAN ART:

Ocean flags designed by Maria Useche, Tidal Tapestry: Exploring Sea-Life Patterns

8:00AM - 12:00PM

• Tidal Tapestry: Exploring Sea-Life Patterns by Maria Useche, former YoungArts recipient

• Weaving with Water by Deborah Mitchell, in collaboration with Breakthrough Miami, Overtown Youth Center, and The Motivational Edge

Photos from workshops led by Deborah Mitchell with the assistance of Gabi Lecusay

We can’t wait to see you on the beach!

Water station provided so BYO reusable bottle. Event hydration, in refillable aluminum bottles, courtesy of Open Water.

REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE

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5:00PM - 9:00PM

UM ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL

4600 RICKENBACKER CSWY, KEY BISCAYNE

~ Public TICKETED Event ~

Come join us for an exciting evening celebrating female leaders in marine conservation and exploration! Our panel of sheroes will share their inspiring stories and insights into the world of ocean conservation. Following the panel discussion, we will be screening ocean films, in collaboration with the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival, that showcase the beauty and importance of our oceans. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and educated by some incredible women in marine science!

For this fourth edition, we are bringing together an exciting panel to draw attention to the powerful advocacy of women from South Florida, from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, who are making waves in Florida and beyond. The participating speakers are: Lisa Beal, Professor of Oceanography in the Ocean Sciences department at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science; Karlisa Callwood, marine scientist educator, Nat Geo Explorer, fisheries expert; Anya Freeman, Founder and CEO, Kind Designs; Deborah Mitchell, conservation artist and Master Naturalist; Cyan Simmons, Ocean Conservancy Ports & Communities Liaison. The panel will be moderated by Ombretta Agró Andruff, Founder and Executive Director, ARTSail Residency and Research Initiative.

During the cocktail reception, guests will enjoy Weaving with Water, a magical performance choreographed by Dale Andree, Executive Director of NWD Projects, featuring Mary Spring, Sunyoung Pak, Barbie Freeman, TJ Anderson, Natalie Rodrigues, Ray Robinson, and Pedro Ortiz, and props designed by Jenny Llewellyn Jones. Photographic sculptures from the Within the Tapestry project, created by artist Deborah Mitchell and inspired by Florida's natural marvels mixed with historical references, along with quilts from the Weaving with Water series, will also be on display.

5:00PM - 6:00PM

• SALT Waterfront Cocktail Reception with Ocean Art & Water Dance performance choreographed by Dale Andree, NDW Projects Director.

6:15PM - 9:00PM

• Sheroes of the Ocean Panel

• International Ocean Film Festival (film program can be found HERE)

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ARTSail FEATURED AT 2024 GULF OF MEXICO CONFERENCE, TAMPA, FL

We were thrilled to be invited to participate in the Gulf of Mexico Conference 2024, held in Tampa Feb 19-23, 2024. ARTSail was involved with the planning of the Workshop organized by the National Academy of Sciences “Science + Art Collaborations: Engaging Communities in the Gulf on Feb 19th; and presented on Feb. 20th at the session “The Power of Art and Science in a Changing World” alongside Dustin Angell, from Archbold Biological Station, Florida; and Cammie Hill-Prewitt from A Studio in the Woods, Louisiana. The panel was moderated by conservation artist Deborah Mitchell.

FLORIDA STATE PARK ART CAPSULE COLLECTIONS LAUNCH ON JAN 31

ARTSail is thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Live Wildly Foundation and the Florida State Parks Foundation to highlight the rich biodiversity of the Sunshine State. Through a direct call initiated by ARTSail, two Florida-based artists/collectives, Deborah Mitchell and AMLgMATD, were selected to design merchandise to celebrate five Florida State Parks. The Collections will be unveiled on Wednesday January 31 at 5:30PM at the Florida Historic Capital Museum in Tallahassee.

15th Annual SE Regional Climate Leadership Summit, Nov 16-17, 2023

ARTSail will collaborate with two other fantastic organizations, BFI and AIRIE, to create art activations for this year's 15th Annual Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit, hosted by the Miami Beach Convention Center in November 2023. ARTSail will present a collaboration between choreographer Dale Andree of NWD Projects and artist and master naturalist, Deborah Mitchell; and an installation by artist and publisher Amanda Keeley.

Additional artists presenting works are: Joyce Billet, Nick Gilmore, Loni Johnson, Lee Pivnik, and a collaboration between Rev. Houston Cypress, Claudio Marcotulli, Laurencia Strauss and Alex Tigertail-Baks.

The Annual Climate Leadership Summit is a major regional event hosted by the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact to share knowledge, showcase climate action, engage leadership across sectors, and mobilize the collaboration needed to tackle this significant challenge at scale. This year's theme Transformative Climate Action will inspire innovation in every field ranging from electrification and equity, to engagement, green infrastructure and more.The summit attracts innovative thinkers and leaders from the business, government, academic, and  nonprofit community to exchange dialogue and ideas on expanding the region’s capacity to respond to climate challenges and build climate resilience. 

For more information about the Summit click HERE and to register click HERE.

This programming is supported by Miami-Dade County's Office of Resilience with assistance from the Miiami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs' Arts Resilient 305 Program.

3rd Annual World Ocean Weekend Celebration, June 3-4, 2023

Please join us for the 3rd Annual World Ocean Weekend on June 3rd & 4th, a celebration designed to raise awareness around our one world ocean through community engagement and volunteer impact. Presented by the W South Beach, and coordinated by Blue Scholars and ARTSail, more than 20 local and national organizations are collaborating to make this another unforgettable weekend.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023

8:00AM - 12:00PM

COLLINS PARK BEACH

22ND STREET, MIAMI BEACH

~ Public FREE Event ~

WATER RECREATION AND ENGAGEMENT

8:00AM - 9:00AM

• 30min Ocean Mile Challenge Exhibition Swim with Full Circle Coaching >>> REGISTER <<<

8:30AM - 9:30AM

• Pilates on the Beach with Pilates for the People >>> REGISTER <<<

9:00AM - 10:00AM

• Ceremonial Paddle-Out with Surfrider Miami (personal paddle-craft required) >>> REGISTER <<<

• Youth Ocean Swim Instruction with Mermaid Merle >>> PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT <<

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND IMPACT

9:00AM - 12:00PM

• Citizen Science Beach Blitz with The International SeaKeepers Society and GEN2050

10:00AM - 12:00PM

• Beach Cleanup with The International SeaKeepers Society and Clean Miami Beach >>> REGISTER <<<

• Dune Restoration with Surfrider Miami and Frost Science MUVE >>> REGISTER <<<

ART AND EDUCATION

8:00AM - 12:00PM

• A Liquid Wanting by Marina Zurkow and Anna Rose Hopkins & Become Ocean Art Flags by Marina Zurkow in collaboration with Una Chaudhuri. Download A Liquid Wanting HERE and join the collective performance at 10am.

• Ocean Art Murals by Linda Cheung & Jamie Nolan, in collaboration with youth from Miami-Dade Community Organizations

9:00AM - 12:00PM

• Marine Debris Art & Education with Frost Science MUVE

• Microplastic Investigation with Oceana and GEN2050

• Youth Storytelling with Wavy Adventures

• Water Quality Testing with Blue Water Task Force and EarthEcho International

• Plastic Free Cities with Ocean Conservancy, Debris Free Oceans and Big Blue & You

We can’t wait to see you on the beach!

Water stations provided so BYO refillable bottles. Event shade, under the umbrellas, courtesy of Boucher Brothers and TUUCI.

5:00PM - 9:00PM

W SOUTH BEACH

2201 COLLINS AVE, MIAMI BEACH

~ Public TICKETED Event ~

IMPACT SPEAKERS AND FILMS >>> PURCHASE TICKETS HERE <<<

5:00PM - 7:00PM

• Sheroes of the Ocean Panel (ASL Interpretation) & Reception

  • Jamora Arroyo-Jefferson - Environmental Advocate, Miami Waterkeeper Junior Ambassador

  • Linda Cheung - Artist and Founder / Creative Director, Before It’s Too Late

  • Carlee Monique Jackson Bohannon - Director of Communications, Minorities in Shark Sciences

  • Jennifer Jacquet - NYU Visiting Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy - Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric & Earth Science

  • Rumya Sundaram - Director of Environmental Science and Operations Manager, Key Biscayne Community Foundation

7:00PM - 9:00PM

• International Ocean Film Festival

SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023

11:00AM - 4:00PM

PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

1101 BISCAYNE BLVD, MIAMI

~ Public TICKETED Event ~

EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT

11:00AM - 4:00PM

• World Ocean Day programming with the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

CELEBRATION SPONSORS:

Art Activations commissioned for the 2023 World Ocean Weekend are funded in part by a grant from Miami-Dade County, with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

ACTIVATION SPONSORS:

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

COLLABORATING PARTNERS:

Screening at Film Gate on Feb 22

Thrilled to share that this fascinating short film by Alex Markow capturing artist Christina Pettersson’s residency with ARTSail was selected to be screened at the Social Justice Film Festival organized by Film Gate Miami.

Recently released interview for the Eco-Friendly podcast with our founder

Thrilled to share a recently released interview conducted by a young and firrec activist Jamora Arroyo-Jefferson

Celebrate the Four Season and the wonders of Nature at the New World Symphony

Take an artistic journey through the four seasons with an immersive performance that aims to evoke a sense of urgency for preserving the beauty of our Planet through a collective call to action. ARTSail partners with NWS fellow Benjamin Cruz to present a magical evening in the stunning setting of Frank Gehry-designed New World Center.

More info HERE.

Just released! ARTSail presents Christina Pettersson

A powerful recap of Christina Pettersson's residency with ARTSail highlighting expeditions uncovering the complexities of the environmental and human challenges of Lake Okeechobee and upper Everglades regions.

Saturday Dec 3 - Book Launch of Water Ecologies for our Shared Future

Happening at Untitled Art Fair, Podcast area, at 5pm

Curator and writer Blanca de la Torre, and artist and activist Christina Pettersson, come together to create an ode to the rich and diverse ecosystems that make South Florida such a unique and threatened treasure. Through de la Torre’s inventive and witty storytelling and Pettersson’s superb ability to draw complex landscapes, Water Ecologies for our Shared Future will capture its readers and help them fall in love with South Florida’s history and its complexand at-risk biodiversity.

During the book launch, Exile Books will host a talk with the artist and Ombretta Agro' Andruff, Executive Producer of ARTSail. A limited collectors edition of the publication will be on sale during the event and at Exile Books booth.

LIMITED SEATING! RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW!

Tuesday August 16, Sheroes of the Ocean conversation at the East Hotel Miami

ArtSail is delighted to partner with the East Hotel to host a networking event as part of the Ideas To Wake Up To series for an evening with ideas, cocktails and light bites!

Creativity and business rely on each other – and thrive together. Just as creatives must take on a business mindset to grow, entrepreneurs and the corporate world need creativity to shake things up to innovate.

Moderated by Ombretta Agró Andruff of ARTSail, "Sheroes of the Ocean" is an informal conversation with two inspiring Ocean Warriors who are using their powerful skills in filmmaking and athletic powers to share with the public at large the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems and the impact of human behavior on them.

Through stunning above and below water images and evocative storytelling, Dr. Shireen Rahimi uses her camera to enhance our emotional connection to the wonder of the natural world, often highlighting some of the threats that endanger its very existence.

Estonian swimming champion and real-life mermaid, Merle Liivand, uses her powerful stroke and mermaid tail to bring attention to how plastic is destroying our oceans and shorelines and the flora and fauna that inhabits them.

Together they will engage in a stimulating conversation highlighting the problems and offering solutions to ensure that we all do our part to preserve and restore our Blue Planet.