When you think about ways to engage the community in a cause that is near and dear to your heart, what better way than to use art? And even better, using art that the public can be involved in creating!
On January 25, 2025, Laurie Holton led a group of whale enthusiasts in an art installation honoring the North Atlantic right whale. Every year, North Atlantic right whale mothers-to-be travel south to the waters off Amelia Island to birth and nurture their calves. The North Atlantic right whale is a critically endangered species and the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors works to help protect the whales through education and awareness. AIWA was excited to have a chance to collaborate with Laurie and members of the community to spread awareness about our whales through art! The calving season is from November 15 through April 15 every year. We cast our eyes towards the ocean as we hope to catch a glimpse of a whale off the coast. Sightings are extremely important, as they help to alert boaters to the presence of whales and to alert the agencies that monitor their location.
In the name of awareness, a love of art, and just plain fun, a group gathered together to create a mosaic made of shells. People had been collecting shells for the prior month or so. An outline was drawn in the sand, and people began to fill in the outline with the shells. As more shells were placed, a right whale mother and calf began to emerge!
This completely natural art piece was made entirely of shells found on the beach. The whale was named “Apricity”, which means the warmth of sunlight in the winter. We were blessed with a beautiful, sun filled morning in January and were certainly blessed with apricity! The art piece remained visible on the beach until nature reclaimed the landscape.
“Apricity” and her calf were a beacon to anyone who walked by to learn a little bit more about the whales that were giving birth to their calves right off our coastline. A big thank you to Laurie and everyone who helped to organize the event and to everyone who participated. Y’all are amazing!
If you’d like to get involved with the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors, please check out our Contact page! We would love to hear from you!
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