AWSC is excited to host the ‘Hope is Not Passive’ Artist Reception at the Shark Center Chatham. Join us in person to hear from show artist Sarah Thornington (A Year of Plastic) about her work and how it relates to our local ecosystem and conservation efforts. Guests will have time during the evening to explore the artwork, as well as the Shark Center’s permanent exhibits to learn about the natural history of white sharks in this area, the ongoing white shark research, and their role in the marine ecosystem.

Sarah is passionate about this beautiful planet of ours; picking up trash and doing beach cleanups have been a constant in her life. Recently, Sarah started thinking about the sheer quantity of marine debris she was collecting, and then either recycling or discarding; she realized she needed to start documenting her finds. The works on display are the product of that passion, turning litter into beauty.

Sarah recently received the national volunteer recognition, A Daily Point of Light award, for her year-long project and ongoing passion for keeping awareness on the plastic problem we have as a global community. This show is a result of the finds from that year, as well as her continuation of cleaning up Cape Cod beaches on a regular basis. She is always creating new things with marine debris using the endless art supplies she finds on the beach. It is titled “Hope is Not Passive” because we have hope that we can make a difference before it’s too late; but hope is an action word and requires us to act if we are going to save our seas, and our world, from drowning in plastic.

This is a family-friendly event. However, our 21+ guests will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer with the price of admission. A cash bar will be available during the event.