Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea Coming to Topeka This May
From May 19 through September 13, 2026, the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center will host Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, a citywide traveling art exhibit featuring large-scale marine life sculptures made entirely from ocean debris.
The exhibit will be displayed across five locations throughout Topeka, giving the community an opportunity to experience these powerful sculptures while learning about the impact of plastic pollution on oceans and waterways. Each sculpture is created from marine debris collected from beaches and transformed into intricate, visually stunning works of art that inspire action and conservation.
Five public unveiling events will take place during the week of May 18, with each host location celebrating the arrival of its sculpture:
Monday, May 18 – Washburn University Memorial Union 1700 SW College, 3 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 – NOTO Arts Center 935 N Kansas, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20 – Kansas Children’s Discovery Center 4400 SW 10th, 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 21 – Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library 1515 SW 10th, 2 p.m.
Friday, May 22 – Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center 635 SW Gage, 10 a.m.
“This exhibit is both beautiful and eye-opening,” said Dennis Dinwiddie, Director of Conservation at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center. “Washed Ashore helps people see the impact of single-use plastics and ocean pollution in a way that is immediate and unforgettable. It creates an emotional connection and reminds us that even here in Kansas, our choices matter.”
The exhibit is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Topeka, Envista Credit Union, Security Benefit, Dillon’s, and Visit Topeka.
As part of the Washed Ashore exhibit, 16 elementary students from Topeka Public Schools were selected to design and create an original sculpture for the citywide display, combining art with environmental stewardship. Led by visual arts teachers Bailey Kivett of Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet and Akia Miles of Whitson Elementary, students participated in an after-school program at Avondale West from March through May to bring their sculpture to life.
The completed student-created sculpture, highlighting the connection between art, sustainability and student creativity, will be unveiled Tuesday, May 19, at 1 p.m. at the Mulvane Art Museum, 1700 SW College.
“Washed Ashore is more than an exhibit; it’s a call to action that combines art, education and environmental awareness,” said Todd Payne, Rotary Club of Topeka member. “We hope families leave inspired to make small changes that can create a big difference for wildlife and our environment.”
Guests are encouraged to visit all five locations throughout the summer and experience how art can inspire conservation action. Admission to view the sculptures at community locations is free. Regular admission applies for the sculptures located inside the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.
For more information about Washed Ashore and exhibit details, visit Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center. Washed Ashore - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
