The Ocean Inspires: Bridging Art, Science, and Humanity

Rotating Art Exhibit

The Ocean Inspires is a platform for artists, poets, authors, and creatives who draw upon the ocean and other aspects of nature as a source of inspiration and reflection. Situated within the ‘Being Human on an Ocean Planet’ area of the Ocean Exploration Center, this exhibit encourages visitors to explore their personal connection to nature, to reflect on the impacts of climate change and shifting seas, and to consider how the ocean and open spaces have shaped human experience through time.

Our mission is to present art that is thought-provoking yet accessible, sparking curiosity and reflection on the intersections of art, science, and conservation. We believe that art is a powerful tool for connection, fostering a collective appreciation for nature’s beauty, complexity, and the urgent need for its preservation. This exhibit aims to engage visitors not only as observers but as participants in a dialogue about our shared responsibility to the ocean and our planet.

Through a combination of visual art, interactive talk-back boards, and reflective spaces, The Ocean Inspires invites visitors to engage with nature in new and meaningful ways, deepening their understanding of the vital role it plays in our lives and our collective future.

 

The Ocean Inspires Exhibition - Sonata Kazimieraitiene - Open from February 3, 2026

Artist Statement

Textures of the Tide is a celebration of marine life and community collaboration. Born from colorful sea creatures hand-sculpted from clay by Ocean Exploration Center visitors along with elements from the natural world, these unique creations were assembled into a cohesive underwater ecosystem, demonstrating the harmonious way organic forms and artistic interpretation can complement one another. Framed by a border of geometric glass tiles, the pieces serve as a tactile sensory tool, inviting viewers to explore the diverse shapes and surfaces of our ocean’s reefs.

 

Sonata Kazimieraitiene is a community-centered mosaic artist and the founder of Sonata Mosaics, where public art is all about connection, collaboration, and creativity. Born in Lithuania, she holds an MFA in Design from the Vilnius Academy of Art and an MBA in Marketing, blending artistic vision with practical know-how. Through hands-on workshops and inclusive design, Sonata brings people together to create large-scale mosaic installations with schools, libraries, and cities across the U.S. She sees mosaic as a joyful metaphor for life—many unique pieces coming together to form something meaningful, beautiful, and shared.

 

 

 

 

 

The Ocean Inspires Exhibition - Beatriz Chachamovits

Artist Statement

My work explores the intersection of marine ecology, mythology, and material transformation. Through sculpture and drawing, I investigate the ways we collect, preserve, and assign value to the natural world. To Have and To Hold reinterprets the historical cabinet of curiosities, reflecting on humanity’s impulse to extract and possess nature, while the drawings offer a glimpse into earlier explorations of form, memory, and organic structures. Together, these works invite contemplation on the fragility of marine ecosystems and our evolving relationship with them.

Beatriz Chachamovits is a Miami-based artist whose practice examines the relationships between marine environments, material culture, and mythology. Working across ceramics, drawing, and installation, they create narratives that merge natural history with speculative storytelling. Their work has been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art of North Miami, Frost Science Museum, Miami Design District, and other institutions. In addition to their studio practice, they have engaged over 1,000 students through Modeling the Reef, a workshop fostering ocean literacy through hands-on making.

 

 

 

 

Ocean Mural

Sydney Prusso is a muralist and illustrator best known for her elegant, contemporary botanical style. Combining the organic beauty of nature with a modern twist, she reimagines traditional florals into designs that feel both timeless and fresh. Based near Tampa, FL, Sydney draws inspiration from her vibrant surroundings. Her work spans a variety of mediums. From large-scale murals to packaging and publishing. Infused with a unique ability to weave your story, brand, and vision into every piece. With a background in graphic design, Sydney’s distinct flat illustration style and collaborative approach allow her to seamlessly integrate brand identities into her creations. Having completed 50+ murals across six states, including installations as large as 75 feet, Sydney brings a wealth of experience to every project, transforming spaces and products with her natural worlds. We are honored to have her work as the anchor artpiece on the outside of the Ocean Exploration Center.