The mission of The International SeaKeepers Society is to promote oceanographic research and conservation with the support of volunteer boaters. Through the DISCOVERY Yacht Program, SeaKeepers enables boats to take advantage of their unique potential to advance marine science through at-sea research, citizen science and educational outreach. In anticipation of their annual event celebrating 25 years of ocean conservation and education on October 25, 2023, SeaKeepers activates their artistic strand “DISCOVERY Art” which encourages public awareness about ocean conservation through the eyes of artists who are inspired by elements of marine life, the ocean, and sustainability.
The “Discovery Art program” started in 2013 with the launch of the SeaKeepers Drifters program, which deployed drifter devices with hardware from yachts to collect real-time ocean data for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Drifter shells, hollow spheres used for drift studies that didn’t contain hardware, were painted and embellished by local artists and displayed at boat shows, marinas, and special events. Displays of these decorated drifter shells sparked interest in Ocean conservation. Since the program’s inception, SeaKeepers has recognized six different artists for their inspirational work.
Miami-based artist Lauren Shapiro was recognized as the 2023 Artist of the Year at SeaKeepers’ Bal de la Mer event during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, along with recognition of yacht owners and captains who have supported marine research.
Artist Shapiro weaves elements of nature into her work, reflecting a balance of strength and fragility. Using clay as her medium, she blends geometric mineral shapes with organic forms to craft replicas of plant life and coral structures as seen through 3D scans of underwater ecological systems.
If you are an artist, boat show director, marina owner, or yachtsman who would like to learn more about programs promoted by SeaKeepers, give them a call at 786-924-6209 in Coral Gables Florida, or go to the SeaKeepers website.
Photo/Image, Courtesy of SeaKeepers
