A Miami-based ocean conservation nonprofit is inviting families and young people to celebrate the ocean through art, science and community engagement this weekend.
Big Blue & You announced the return of its Art by the Sea Youth Arts Festival, scheduled for March 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Miami Beach Bandshell in Miami Beach. The event coincides with World Water Day, a global observance focused on the importance of fresh water and water conservation.
According to a press release from Big Blue & You, the free, family-friendly festival will combine art, education and environmental stewardship with a focus on youth leadership and hands-on learning.
Danni Washington encourages youth to dream about how to contribute to our global society in a positive way.
(Courtesy of Big Blue & You)
“Art by the Sea creates an entry point for young people to see themselves as part of the ocean’s story,” said Danni Washington, co-founder of Big Blue & You. “By merging art, science, and culture, we make environmental engagement accessible, joyful, and deeply rooted in community.”
The event will take place at the Miami Beach Bandshell, located at 7275 Collins Ave., and is open to the public.
Organizers say the festival is designed to engage young people — particularly those from underrepresented communities — through storytelling, creative expression and environmental education set against South Florida’s coastline.
The event will be hosted by Washington along with youth co-host Soleil River Nation, an 11-year-old actor, singer, musician and model who will perform original songs focused on protecting the planet and its oceans.
Big Blue & You is the first ocean conservation nonprofit founded by African American women.
(Courtesy of Big Blue & You)
Festival attendees will be able to participate in interactive learning activities led by community organizations and marine science leaders. These include coastal protection demonstrations through the University of Florida IFAS Extension’s Mighty Mangroves wave model and coral reef education with Ocean Rescue Alliance International.
Other educational partners highlighted in the press release include Minorities in Shark Sciences, which will share information about sharks; the Nova Southeastern University Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program, which will present lessons on sea turtle biology; and Miami Waterkeeper, which will lead hands-on water quality testing.
Additional activities will include composting and seed planting with Compost for Life, a coastal ecosystem learning experience with Blue Scholars Initiative, reef-themed learning games with MarineLab Environmental Education Center, and hands-on vegetable planting led by Green Haven Project. Families can also explore ocean-themed sensory bins created by the Miami Children’s Museum.
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to explore immersive art installations and creative stations led by South Florida artists and environmental educators. Featured artists include Kim Rizio, the nonprofit’s resident artist and the festival’s art coordinator; Maredy Narea, who will create a live ocean mural; and Beth Bru, who will present an interactive painting activation titled “The Ripple Effect.”
Guests will also have opportunities to participate in art activities such as “Paint Your Own Sea Creature” with Sharon Berebichez, a collaborative ocean mural titled “Water Is Life” with Luis Valle, ocean-inspired wearable art design with Lauren Reilly, and a baby sea turtle craft activity with Alexa Umwiza.
In addition to educational and creative programming, the festival will include entertainment and recreational activities such as DJ sets by DJ Anamá and OWANI presented by Love Hope Music and a Big Blue Dance Parade featuring stilt walkers and drummers presented by Creative Stage Productions. A performance by National Water Dance and a mindfulness moment with Marly Q are also planned.
Free swim lessons will also be offered by Breathe & Splash Swim School, and guests will have opportunities to try paddleboarding with iPaddle Miami. Organizers say Pelican Harbor Seabird Station may also release a rehabilitated seabird back into the wild during the event.
Attendees will also be able to visit the Mocha Mermaid Photobooth, where guests can “Step Into Your Mermaid Power,” according to the press release, along with food vendors, sustainability demonstrations, giveaways and raffles. A reading corner hosted by the Miami-Dade Public Library System will feature readings from marine biologist Carlee Jackson and youth author Emiliana Fuger.
Co-founder Michelle Swaby-Smith said the event reflects the organization’s focus on youth engagement in environmental advocacy.
“We are incredibly excited about the resurgence of Art by the Sea this year,” Swaby-Smith said. “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.”
Big Blue & You was founded in 2008 by Washington and Swaby-Smith and describes itself as the first ocean conservation nonprofit founded by African American women. The organization focuses on intersectional environmentalism and works to equip emerging environmental leaders — particularly young women of color — with STEAM tools for ocean advocacy while promoting equitable access to outdoor spaces.
The Art by the Sea Youth Arts Festival is free and open to the public. Registration information and additional details are available through bigblueandyou.org.