Famed Washed Ashore Project Will Be New Exhibit at Newport's Oregon Coast Aquarium

Published 04/06/25 at 6:45 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) – In May, the Oregon coast's largest aquarium will be gleefully awash in trash.

“Washed Ashore” - the unique art installation project from Bandon – returns to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport after more than 15 years. The new and temporary exhibit starts May 17, featuring larger-than-life sculptures inspired by marine creatures and the threats they face.

The Washed Ashore project was founded in 2010 by artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi, using debris she collected from the beaches in Bandon. All of the artworks are made from colorful marine debris found here. The work is combined with scientifically-based educational signage to teach children and adults about ocean stewardship, responsible consumer habits and how “every action counts” to help save the sea.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCA) is making waves with the return of the captivating exhibit, "Washed Ashore," which sheds light on plastic pollution, conservation, and sustainability. Each sculpture on display is meticulously crafted using debris collected from ocean beaches, aiming to raise awareness about the global plastic pollution crisis.

Previously hosted by the Aquarium in 2010, "Washed Ashore" has since processed more than 50 tons of plastic debris from Pacific Northwest beaches, transforming waste into intricate and thought-provoking works of art. This exhibit brings the urgent issue of marine debris into focus, inspiring action and change.

“Hosting Washed Ashore aligns with the Aquarium’s ongoing commitment to conservation, sustainability, and plastic reduction,” said the Aquarium's Courtney Klug. “[We] continue to take steps to eliminate unnecessary waste; alongside the exhibit’s debut, OCA's Moon Jelly Café will go plastic-free, implementing reusable dishware and compostable utensils.”

In celebration of the exhibit’s 15th anniversary, the Aquarium will showcase 15 unique sculptures, including fan favorites like Flash the Marlin and Greta the Great White Shark. A new addition - a blue-ringed octopus sculpture - is set to debut, and the aquarium is inviting the public to help name it. Submissions for the naming contest are open until April 9, 2025, on the Aquarium’s website at aquarium.org/washed-ashore.

Since 2010, more than 10,000 volunteers have participated in the Washed Ashore project, helping Pozzi and her team to create more than 100 sculptures.

The "Washed Ashore" exhibit will run at the Oregon Coast Aquarium until January 6, 2026, and is included with general admission. Visitors are encouraged to experience these stunning sculptures and learn how small changes can make a big difference in protecting our oceans.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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