A Black Women-founded, Miami-based ocean conservation nonprofit is bringing back a family-friendly festival celebrating ocean stewardship, creativity and youth leadership later this month in Miami Beach.
Big Blue & You will host Art by the Sea on Sunday, March 22 — also recognized globally as World Water Day — at the Miami Beach Bandshell.
The free event is designed to blend art, science and environmental education through hands-on activities and creative programming focused on ocean conservation. Organizers say the festival aims to engage young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities, through storytelling, learning experiences and ocean-inspired art.
The event will be hosted by Big Blue & You co-founder Danni Washington alongside youth co-host Soleil River Nation, an 11-year-old actor, singer, musician and model who will perform original songs centered on protecting the planet and its oceans.
“Art by the Sea creates an entry point for young people to see themselves as part of the ocean’s story,” Washington said in a statement. “By merging art, science and culture, we make environmental engagement accessible, joyful and deeply rooted in community.”
Co-founder Michelle Swaby-Smith said the organization is excited to bring the event back to the community.
“We are incredibly excited about the resurgence of Art by the Sea this year,” Swaby-Smith said in a statement. “As a free community event, it has inspired, educated and ignited young people across South Florida. This festival reflects our mission of cultivating conscious ocean conservation activism — with youth leading the charge.”
Throughout the day, attendees will be able to participate in interactive science exhibits and sustainability activities led by environmental organizations and marine science programs.
Programming will include demonstrations on coastal protection with the University of Florida IFAS Extension’s Mighty Mangroves wave model, coral reef restoration activities with Ocean Rescue Alliance International and shark education sessions hosted by Minorities in Shark Sciences.
Guests will also be able to learn about sea turtle biology through Nova Southeastern University’s Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program, participate in sustainability crafts with Dream in Green and explore composting and seed planting with Compost For Life.
In addition to science activities, the festival will feature live art installations and creative workshops led by South Florida artists and educators.
Artists scheduled to participate include Big Blue & You resident artist Kim Rizio, youth resident artist Maredy Narea and artist Beth Bru, who will lead an interactive painting experience titled The Ripple Effect.
Additional activities include a “Paint Your Own Sea Creature” station led by Sharon Berebichez, a collaborative mural titled Water Is Life led by Luis Valle and a printmaking workshop hosted by Lauren Reilly where participants can design their own ocean-themed patches.
Organizers say the festival will also include music and performances, featuring a DJ set by Love Hope, a Big Blue Dance Parade with stilt walkers and drummers presented by Creative Stage Productions and free swim lessons offered by Breathe & Splash Swim School.
Festivalgoers will also be able to visit a “Mocha Mermaid” photobooth experience, along with food vendors, sustainability demonstrations and raffles from community partners.
Founded in 2008 by Washington and Swaby-Smith, Big Blue & You focuses on intersectional environmentalism and youth engagement, providing science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) learning opportunities that encourage ocean advocacy — particularly among young women of color.
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance online.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter and watch our weekly LIVE podcast news show every Thursday at 5:30pm. Subscribe to our YouTube page to get alerts for the show.
Do you have news to share? If so, send Hy-Lo News your story ideas by clicking HERE.
0 comments on “Black Women–Founded Ocean Nonprofit Bringing ‘Art by the Sea’ Festival to Miami Beach for World Water Day”