Washed Ashore

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Driving into Bandon from the south, it’s hard to miss Avery, the giant sea bird calmly watching passing cars, made of trash collected from the beach.  Avery is one of many sculptures created by Washed Ashore.

IMG_0323The Washed Ashore Project is a non-profit organization here in Bandon with a mission of educating and creating awareness about marine debris and plastic pollution through art. The project involves community members of all ages in cleaning up our beaches and turning debris into art supplies to create unique works of art. These art pieces can be seen in Old Town in Bandon, but the traveling exhibits have been to such places as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach.

Daily, people drop off beach debris they have collected at the Artula Institute for Arts and Environmental Education in Bandon where volunteers, students and interns are guided by the staff towashed ashore turn it into art.

Want to get involved? There are a number of ways you can help!

  • Participate in free community art workshops every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. and Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. at Art 101 at 47134 Highway 101 in Bandon.
  • Collect plastic debris on the beaches and bring it to Art 101 at 47134 Highway 101 in Bandon. BE SAFE! No glass or other potentially harmful items, please.
  • Donate money to help cover the cost of educational field trips, free community workshops, touring exhibits, education materials, and overhead costs.
  • Visit the Washed Ashore exhibit in Old Town and participate in free workshops.

Visit Washed Ashore’s website for more information on their projects, how to get involved, and how to make a donation.