27 Apr 2022 |
In early 2019, Beaches Go Green partnered with Deck The Chairs and Artistic Contractors to begin a six month design and fabrication project that would change the way we look at our planet, the ocean, and how humans manage single use plastics. Beaches Go Green Octopus Garden at Deck The Chairs would become one of America’s most unique plastics awareness displays ever to be produced for a free public exhibit.
Octopus Garden plastics awareness and education exhibit followed the highly successful 2018 Beaches Go Green Jelly Fish Park, a similar partnership with Deck The Chairs and Artistic Contractors. “Creating these elaborate art pieces and messaging to a broad audience at Jax Beach Deck The Chairs (JBDTC) was a great way for BGG to share our mission with the region and eventually the nation.” states Beaches Go Green (BGG), Founder, Ann Marie Moquin.
BGG Octopus Garden remained one of the main attractions at JBDTC for two more years. The commitment from BGG organizers, and volunteers managing storage, transportation, lighting and maintenance was a major undertaking. Two full months during the holiday season accounting for hundreds of hours and tens of thousands of dollars. The community took pride in the bold and thought provoking exhibit, but as we so many important art pieces it was time to find Octopus Garden a permanent home.
Following 2021 JBDTC strike out good fortune smiled on Anne Marie and Octopus Garden when interest was shown by Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School to possibly take ownership. It was a long shot but Anne Marie and Atlantic Beach / Mayport leadership saw an opportunity.
DTC can’t appropriately thank all the important players but it took “a village” and DTC is proud to have been a part of the story. Check out the photos and click on the link provided to see a great video of BGG Octopus Garden at JBDTC.
2 Responses to “Octopus Garden Finds A New Home”
Robin Buffinton
Can I get info on this event for our local business.
Thank you
Kurtis Loftus
Good afternoon,
Sorry for the extreme delay in our response. We are out of the busy season and following up with local business interest in DTC.
If you are still looking for more information on who we are, the beneficiaries and ways to engage pleas email info@deckthechairs.org
Thank you,
Kurtis Loftus, ED & Founder