TALKS/EVENTS
15th Southeast Florida Regional Climate Summit, Miami Beach Convention Center, Nov. 16-17, 2023
We are thrilled with the response we received to the art activations ARTSail presented in collaboration with BFI and AIRIE during the Regional Climate Summit. In the words of Jim Murley, Miami-Dade County Chief Resilience Officer: "We received many compliments, and positive comments about the integration of the arts for this event. I myself was inspired by all the unique activations. We are so proud that Miami-Dade was the first to integrate the arts into this important regional event!"
Participating artists: Dale Andree in collaboration with Deborah Mitchell, Joyce Billet, Nick Gilmore, Loni Johnson, Amanda Keeley, Lee Pivnik, and a collaborative effort of Rev. Houston Cypress, Claudio Marcotulli, Laurencia Strauss, Alex Tigertail-Baks.
This programming was supported by Miami-Dade County's Office of Resilience with assistance from Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs' Arts Resilient 305 Program.
All Photographs and videos by Alex Markow
For more information about the various participating artists and the individual featured projects click HERE.
ARTSail was honored to commission a new work born out of the collaboration between choreographer Dale Andree and visual artist Deborah Mitchell. Within the Tapestry is an enthralling performance choreographed by Dale Andree, drawing profound inspiration from the concept of "sentipensar" – liberally translated as "thinking and feeling with the Earth." Rooted in the wisdom of indigenous peoples it asks us to see existence as a living weaving symbiosis, to change our thinking from the I to the we. In the choreography, Andree masterfully weaves her personal interpretation of this ancient worldview with Deborah Mitchell's visually evocative contemplations on the kaleidoscope of Florida's natural marvels. The performance involves a dynamic ensemble of 5 dancers, accompanied by the soulful melodies of Seminole flute virtuoso Samuel Tommie, and the powerful voice of Molly Gawler.
And below is a captivating recap of the entire project with highlights from the art installations:
Water Ecologies for our Shared Future Book Release event at Books & Books, June 8, 2023
30+ people joined us at the iconic Books & Books location in Coral Gables, on World Ocean Day, June 8, to celebrate the release of the book Water Ecolologies for our Shared Future / Ecologías del agua para nuestro futuro común.
Artist Christina Pettersson and Executive Director of ARTSail, Ombretta Agro' Andruff, united in celebration of World Ocean Day to engage in a thought-provoking discussion regarding their collaboration and the profound impact that the arts can have on conservation and environmental activism. Following the enlightening dialogue, Hannah McDougall from the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station introduced the audience to their vital work in wildlife rehabilitation, captivating everyone present. The culmination of the event was marked by the unexpected appearance of a special guest, heightening the excitement and significance of the occasion.
Water Ecologies for our Shared Future creates an ode to the rich and diverse ecosystems that make South Florida such a unique and threatened treasure. Through Blanca 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 complex and at-risk biodiversity. Produced by ARTSail Residency and Research Initiative, presented by Books & Books in partnership wit EXILE Books.
Sheroes of the Ocean - Impact Speakers and Film Screening, June 3, 2023
Sheroes of the Ocean – Advocacy through storytelling: this will be the third of a series of talks highlighting the stories of inspiring women from the activist, scientific as well as the creative space, engaged with the preservation of the health and rich biodiversity of our precious oceans. For this 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, that are making waves in Florida and beyond.
The panel will start at 5:00PM promptly; it will be followed by a reception and a 90min screening of ocean-themed films organized in collaboration with the International Ocean Film Festival.
Panel & Reception: 5-7PM
Film screenings: 7-9PM
ASL interpretation provided by Works Place Accessibility.
Flashback to Sheroes of the Ocean at East Hotel, August 16, 2022
Excited to share this short film with some highlights from our second Sheroes of the Ocean conversation hosted by the East Hotel in August. Grateful to Ocean Warriors Merle Llivand and Dr. Shireen Rahimi for sharing their outstanding accomplishments and their love for our Oceans with us!
Stay tuned for our third Sheroes of the Ocean chat happening on June 3rd at the W Hotel once again in conjunction with our annual World Ocean Weekend Celebration! More info coming soon!
Second Annual World Ocean Weekend 2022
On June 11th and 12th, ARTSail, Blue Scholars and several local and national artists, leaders and organizations once again came together in Miami Beach to celebrate our one world ocean. Presented by the W South Beach, the 2nd Annual World Ocean Weekend Celebration was a success, engaging the South Florida community through art, recreation, education and impact.
Beatriz Chachamovits, Endangered Species Art Flags, 2022
SATURDAY BEACH ACTIVATION
Stepping on to the sand, attendees were welcomed by various art installations including flags featuring endangered species of South Florida and Modeling the Reef clay sculptures produced in part by Miami-Dade County Public School students, conceived by Beatriz Chachamovits. On the Horizon, by Ana Teresa Fernandez, invited participants to join the sea water bucket brigade to fill 6’ tall acrylic tubes, suspending the rising seas for all to observe and ruminate on. Simultaneously, swimmers, paddlers, a mermaid and her little fish glided through, over and under the clear blue water as yogis grounded themselves in the warm sand.
ART INSTALLATIONS: MODELING THE REEF + ART FLAGS & ON THE HORIZON
30MIN OCEAN MILE CHALLENGE, MERMAID SWIMMING LESSONS & CEREMONIAL-PADDLE OUT
ART & EDUCATION
Under the tents, educators, activists and conservationists all shared their passion and their enthusiasm to inform the public about the many threats facing our ocean and the solutions to combat them. One remedy assembled more than 100 volunteers who collected and removed 600 pounds of trash from the beach, dunes and car park.
Participants: Frost Science MUVE, Yasmin Mohamad, Big Blue & You, Stream2Sea, EarthEcho International, Surfrider Miami’s Blue Water Task Force and Xylem
BEACH CLEANUP & #PLASTICFREEMB
Participants: Clean Miami Beach and The International SeaKeepers Society, with MB Commissioner David Richardson
SUNDAY EVENING EVENT- SHEROES OF THE OCEAN PANEL & FILM SCREENING
The celebration continued on the evenings of Saturday and Sunday in the W’s Great Room. Saturday evening, Blue Scholars Initiative hosted its 3rd anniversary fundraiser; Sunday, ARTSail Residency and Research Initiative hosted a lively and inspiring conversation with five local “Sheroes of the Ocean”. Following the panel, attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception and the second night of the International Ocean Film Festival. Participating speakers: Meredith Bass, Blue Scholars Initiative; Beatriz Chachamovits, environmental artist; Maggie Winchester, The International SeaKeepers Society; Ana Teresa Fernandez, artist; Lauren Reilly, MUVE at Frost Science; moderated by Ombretta Agro’ Andruff, ARTSail.
THANK YOU
ARTSail and Blue Scholars are incredibly grateful to our many sponsors, partners and community members who participated in our weekend celebration. From the bottom of our ocean, we thank you!
Presenting Sponsor: W South Beach
Celebration Sponsors: Boucher Brothers, Miami-Dade County and Miami Beach Rising Above
Supporting Sponsors: The Mansfield Family, Anna Rossi Shapiro & Paul Shapiro, TUUCI, On the Horizon, D&R Swimming, Radical Partners and the International Ocean Film Festival
Media & Beverage Sponsors: Impact Edition, Jetset Creative, Quinn, Sipsmith and Biscayne Bay Brewing
Collaborating Partners (not previously mentioned): World Ocean Day, W South Beach, Boucher Brothers, International Ocean Film Festival, VolunteerCleanup.org, City of Miami Beach, The Motivational Edge, Overtown Optimist Club, Breakthrough Miami, Colectivo and The Ant Project
Event Photographers: Jetset Creative, Jordan Braun, Tanya Manfrediz, Michael Samway and Julian Salles
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ARTiculating Regeneration: Art as Agent for Change
Watch five enthralling presentations from the online webinar organized by IKT Vice President and ARTSail ED, Ombretta Agro’ Andruff.
Plus Tate, MOSTYN and IKT (International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art) joined forces for a panel discussion exploring regenerative blue/green infrastructure and sustainable artistic practices with hands-on implication and direct impact on the environment and landscapes upon which they are situated. In October 2021, our organizations connected to present Sustainable Design and Regenerative Architecture in Cultural Spaces. During the session, we explored how art venues can become greener and heard from artists who were embracing sustainability as a pivotal part of their making.
During ARTiculating Regeneration: Art as Agent for Change (April 2022), speakers took these concepts further by sharing their practices and the impacts on the landscapes on which they sit. Speakers: Jason deCaires Taylor (Underwater Sculpture Artist), Jan Mun (Blade of Grass Artist), Elizabeth Monoian & Robert Ferry (Land Art Generator), Bill Reed (Regenesis Group) and Adam Sutherland (Grizedale Arts). Moderator: Ombretta Agró Andruff (ARTSail).
April 14, 2022 - Watch the video of this illuminating conversation with artists Deborah Micthell, Jenna Efrein, Christina Pettersson, and organizing Representative for the Broward County Chapter of the Sierra Club, Diana Umpierre as they share what drives them to use their creative talents and scientific knowledge to communicate the beauty and richness of the Florida wetlands and the urgency to preserve and restore them. Organized in collaboration with ArtServe and in conjunction with the exhibition Pa-Hay-Okee: the Land of Grassy Water, curated by Ombretta Agro’ Andruff.
What an amazing celebration we had with our partners Blue Scholars Initiative, Full Circle Coaching, and the incredible organizations that joined us for our Saturday morning activities! Check out this short video that Full Circle created. More photos to come!
SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022
8:00AM - 12:00PM
COLLINS PARK BEACH
22ND STREET, MIAMI BEACH
~ Public FREE Event ~
ON THE WATER RECREATION AND ENGAGEMENT
8:00AM - 9:00AM
30min-Mile Exhibition Swim with Full Circle Coaching and Dolphins & Rainbows Swim Group >>> REGISTER HERE <<<
8:30AM - 9:30AM
Beach Yoga & Pilates Fusion with Maria Alvarez and Pilates for the People >>> REGISTER HERE <<<
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Ceremonial Paddle-Out with Surfrider Miami >>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Youth Ocean Swim Instruction with Merle the Mermaid
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND IMPACT
8:00AM - 10:00AM
Ocean Advocacy with Florida Ocean Clean-Up Society (FOCUS)
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Beach Cleanup with The International SeaKeepers Society and Clean Miami Beach, plus special remarks by the City of Miami Beach Mayor, Dan Gelber
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
ART AND EDUCATION
8:00AM - 12:00PM
Modeling The Reef & Art Flags with Beatriz Chachamovits
On The Horizon with Ana Teresa Fernandez, Including Meditation/Visualization and Tandava
Marine Debris Arts & Crafts with Frost Science MUVE
Wavy Adventures Book Debut with Yasmin Mohamad
Ocean Conservation Inspiration with Big Blue & You
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen & Skin Care Awareness with Stream2Sea
Water Quality Testing with EarthEcho International, Surfrider Miami’s Blue Water Task Force and Xylem
~~ We can’t wait to see you on the beach! ~~
Water stations provided so BYO refillables. Event shade, under the umbrellas, courtesy of Boucher Brothers and TUUCI.
6:00PM - 10:00PM
W SOUTH BEACH HOTEL, 2201 COLLINS AVE, MIAMI BEACH
~ Public TICKETED Event ~
BLUE SCHOLARS 3RD ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER AND FILMS
Dinner Party, Silent Auction & International Ocean Film Festival (Part 1)
>>> PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE <<<
SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2022
5:00PM - 9:00PM
W SOUTH BEACH HOTEL, 2201 COLLINS AVE, MIAMI BEACH
~ Public TICKETED Event ~
ARTSAIL INSPIRATION AND FILMS
Sheroes of the Ocean Panel, Reception & International Ocean Film Festival (Part 2)
>>> PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE <<<
Additional support for Modeling The Reef provided by Anna Rossi Shapiro and Paul Shapiro
ON VIEW MARCH 19 UNTIL MAY 15, 2022 at the Art & Culture Center, Hollywood, FL
Curated by Ombretta Agró Andruff with Meaghan Kent
Participating Artists: AMLgMATD, Beatriz Chachamovits, Caecilia Tripp and Kerwin Rolland, Elaine Defibaugh, Lauren Shapiro, and Morel Doucet
Location: 1650 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL. For visiting hours click HERE.
CLICK HERE for more information and HERE for photos from the opening reception.
Coral reefs are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems. Teeming with life, up to 25% of all ocean species depend on coral reefs for food and shelter. Often called the rainforests of the sea, coral reefs are among the most at risk from climate change and man-made pollution. Inspired by the powerful beauty and fragility of corals, eight artists will present their unique and diverse bodies of work to recognize the urgency of preservation. The artists, joining as a “chorus” of creative voices, seek to encourage awareness and action to try and preserve and sustain this very special, and very necessary ecosystem. The exhibition will be accompanied by hands-on workshops and educational programming.
The exhibition is curated by Ombretta Agró Andruff with Meaghan Kent. Italian-born and Miami-based Agró Andruff is a freelance curator and environmental activist. She has curated internationally for more than 20 years, most recently at Atchugarry Foundation in Miami. Her passion for the Florida waterways inspired ARTSail, a nomadic residency and research initiative that investigates creative climate change inquiries. Agró Andruff is on the board of IKT International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art, and organized its first US-based Congress in 2019 in Miami, with a post-Congress in Havana, Cuba.
This exhibition is funded in part by Funding Arts Broward (FAB!) and ARTSail. Special thanks to Jane Wesman and Donald Savelson for their support.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND REGENERATIVE ARCHITECTURE IN CULTURAL SPACES - Tue Oct 5, 2021
Click on the image above to listen to this fascinating and informative panel discussing sustainable and regenerative practices in the fields of architecture and design. You will hear from a group of international experts ranging from architects, to artists, philosophers and sustainability consultants sharing with the audience how they are changing the world, one project at a time.
Speakers: Chhaya Bhanti, Founder and Creative Director at Vertiver; Gustav Duesing, Architect; Andrea Ling, Architect, Artist and Researcher; Dehlia Hannah, Ph.D, Curator and Philosopher of Nature; Dean Maltz, Partner at Shigeru Ban Architects America; Jaya Kader, Founder of KZ Architecture.
This virtual panel was organized as a joint venture of IKT, Plus Tate and MOSTYN, and moderated by ARTSail ED Ombretta Agro’ Andruff.
LAST CURATORIAL WALKTHROUGH OF FATA MORGANA, Atchugarry Foundation, November 6 at 6PM
Join us for our last walkthrough of the mesmerizing exhibition Fata Morgana, featuring artist Simon Faithfull. The exhibition will remain on view until Saturday Nov 6th at 5PM. Please read the Op Ed published on the Miami Herald in our Press Section to learn more about the meaning of the exhibition.
SIMON FAITHFULL: FATA MORGANA opens at Atchugarry Foundation on September 10. 2021
The Fundación Pablo Atchugarry in Miami is excited to announce a collaboration with ARTSail, a Miami-based multi-faceted platform that connect artists with climate activists, scientists and marine experts to investigate how climate change and man-made pollution are impacting the South Florida waterways and assist them in the creation of tangible outcomes with climate advocacy value.
Featuring a combination of work created by the artist in response to his ARTSail residency, in 2017 and 2018, along with a few earlier works, through a series of photographs and films, the exhibition takes the audience on an aquatic journey spanning from the wetlands of Big Cypress, to the choppy waters of the Gulf of Mexico, all the way to the Nordic Sea and the Adriatic.
The film Re-enactment for a Future Scenario #2: Cape Romano, constitutes the most significant outcome of Faithfull’s residency, and combines footage shot during two separate visits to the remnants of a luxury villa built by a retired oil producer in the late 1970s, and abandoned after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, along with found images of the interior and exterior of the house while it was still standing on dry land. A figure is seen standing on the half-submerged ruins, his back to us, staring out at the horizon…he seems to be caught in a dream, or better, a nightmare of a post-apocalyptic future, or maybe, as the artist states: “a memory from a future that never quite happened”.
In another video, Self Portrait: Big Cypress, the same figure is now immersed chest-deep in the heart of the Everglades wetlands, the absurdity of the image brings to the fore open-ended questions: the bucolic and yet eerie settings make us wonder whether he is practicing some form of meditation, or has been caught by a sudden flash-flood episode.
Throughout Faithfull’s oeuvre, nature and the landscape within which the artist chooses to perform his actions play a critical role that goes beyond that of a simple stage or a source of inspiration: a tree, a body of water, or an abandoned man-made structure become the de-facto collaborators with whom Faithfull shares the title of co-creator. Humor and the absurd are recurrent strategies in Faithfull’s practice, and they often mitigate the sense of dooms-day scenarios that descriptions of his work might bring to mind.
Whether he is clinging to a pole in the middle of the sea, as in Self Portrait: Florida Bay; or hanging from a tree in the desert landscape of Earthscape no. 1: Wadi Rum; or nonchalantly taking a walk on the seabed at the bottom of the Adriatic Sea in Going Nowhere 2, Faithfull exposes the frailty of the human condition and mankind’s hubris, without falling into the trap of existential anguish. As the artist stated at the end of our second Dome House expedition: “We find ourselves in a very strange moment and I think oddly enough that’s also full of absurdity and humor…”: his vision, much better than any words, can truly express the precariousness of our fate and that of our planet.
World Ocean Weekend celebration, in collaboration with Blue Scholars Initiative and Faena Art
June 12-13, 2021
ARTSail, Blue Scholars Initiative and Faena Art partnered to organize the first ever leave-no-trace World Ocean Weekend celebration, with free activities ranging from art, recreation and impact to science, education and entertainment bringing together South Florida youth and community members to enjoy, engage with, and protect our ONE World Ocean.
Click on the button or image below to learn/see more of the weekend activities.
#SaveBiscayneBay Panel @ BAY STORE
July 14, 2021
Quinaz Studio, led by artist/designer James Quinaz, partnered with ARTSail Residency and Research Initiative to organize a panel discussion with experts, advocates, business leaders and cultural producers who shared their profound knowledge of the issues that caused last year catastrophe, and helped us all understand what communities and individuals can do to prevent this tragedy from happening again.
Speakers: Irela Bagué, Chief Bay Officer; marathon runner and environmental activist, Andrew Otazo; Patrick Shearer, engineer and activist with e-Sciences; Adam Steckley, Co-Founder of Blue Scholars Initiative; James Quinaz, artist/designer; moderated by Ombretta Agró Andruff, Executive Director, ARTSail
Understanding Lake Okeechobee: Crucible of farmland, ranchland, and wetland.
April 20, 2021
This panel is the continuation of the engaging conversations initiated during ARTSail first Lake Okeechobee expedition with artist-in-residence Christina Pettersson in Feb 2021, with Dr. Paul Gray and Belle Glade community organizer Robert Mitchell. It explores the complexities of the Lake O. region, addressing some of the social and ecological issues the local communities and natural ecosystem are impacted by today. In collaboration with ArtServe.
ARTiculating Sustainability: Artists respond to the Climate Emergency
December 8, 2020
In these unsettling and yet hopeful times, ARTSail Residency and Research Initiative, SHOWFIELDS and #ARTiculatingClimate have partnered up to discuss with a handful of Miami-based artists/activists how the concept of ‘political-timing-specific’ applies to their practice in the specific context of the climate emergency. Video to follow.
Our episode on SDG Talks Podcast
November 3, 2020
Thrilled to share the episode we recorded with a wonderful podcast, SDG Talks, which highlights Change Makers and their work around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The founders’ passion is to highlight people and organizations that work towards the 17 goals that will transform the world into a more equitable place for everyone. CLICK on the image below to listen to the episode. Click HERE to listen to more episodes or subscribe to the podcast.
Artful Advocacy: How To Fight For Clean Water This Election Year
Art has become an indispensable method for increasing knowledge, raising appreciation, and inspiring action within the environmental movement.
ARTSail is teaming up with the advocacy group Bullsugar.org to present an engaging conversation exploring the power of art to build and establish an environmentally sensitive populace and the applications of that collective consciousness to elections that impact the future of Florida’s water.
IKT 2020 Virtual Meeting - Sustainable Curating in Corona Times, Oct 17-18, 2020
SHOWFIELDS X ARTSail: online curation and art sale on SEPT 8 at 5PM
September 9, 2020
Online curatorial talk and art sale in collaboration with SHOWFIEDLS, the first platform where art and retail meet both in the physical and digital worlds. I have selected 9 Miami-based artists whose practice explores environmental and ecological topics, spanning from the plight of corals and coral reefs die offs, to how man-made pollution is impacting the waterways surrounding Miami, and the climate crisis in general. CLICK on the image below to watch the video and see the collection.
Second ARTSail Conversation with Japanese champion free diver AI FUTAKI
September 4, 2020
Thrilled to share our second ARTSail conversation with World Champion Free Diver and Ocean Warrior AI FUTAKI. CLICK on the image below to listen to our conversation!
ARTSail Conversations Kicks Off With Swimming Champion Merle Liivand
July 20, 2020
So excited to start our series of ARTSail Conversations with Estonian swimming champion and mermaid ocean activist Merle Liivand. CLICK on the image below to discover how Merle has been using her athletic talent and her passion and concern for the ocean to spread awareness about the issues that are afflicting our Blue Planet.
One Ocean - One Planet - One Mission - A Webinar Organized By The Global Summit
July 13, 2020
I was thrilled to participate in this webinar with a stellar group of ocean warriors sharing inspiring stories and efforts to preserve our Blue Planet. CLICK on the image below to watch the talk.
Interview on Philip Rosenberg show
See the recording of the interview Phil Rosenberg conducted with ARTSail Executive Director.
Connecting The Dots: From Coral Bleaching To Climate Gentrification
June 3, 2020
Thrilled to celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8th with a virtual panel of marine scientists, climate activists, community organizers and cultural producers and discuss these important issues.
Profile on Inspicio Magazine
April 23, 2020
Thrilled to share a profile recently published on FIU Inspicio online magazine which provides intimate and in-depth portraits of the movers and shakers of Miami’s vibrant cultural life. Click HERE to listen to the interview.
