An art exhibit coming to Topeka May 16 - Sept. 13, 2026!
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is coming to notable locations across Topeka this summer, including Washburn! The powerful traveling exhibit transforms ocean pollution into striking works of art, featuring massive sculptures of marine animals made entirely from debris collected from beaches.
About Washed Ashore
Each larger-than-life creation shows the impact of plastic waste on waterways and wildlife and encourages action for cleaner oceans and a healthier environment. Visitors of all ages will discover the artistry, creativity and conservation message woven into every piece.
Watch for exhibit dates, featured sculptures and special programming details as summer approaches. This inspiring display of art with purpose is not to be missed.
Meet Zorabelle the Rockhopper!
Washburn will be hosting Zorabelle the Rockhopper. Rockhopper penguin populations have been in steady decline over the past century. Marine pollution, loss of food availability and commercial fishing have all played a part in their numbers plummeting.
Debris on this sculpture was collected from Pacific Coast beaches by volunteers. Each sculpture is designed and directed by Angela Haseltine Pozzi and then created in collaboration with other lead artists, Washed Ashore staff and hundreds of volunteers in Bandon, Oregon. Trash in the ocean is a worldwide problem.
Sculpture locations
- Washburn University, 1700 S.W. College Ave. (main level of the Memorial Union, across from the iCard office)
- Mulvane Art Museum Art Lab, 1700 SW Jewell Ave.
- Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd.
- Kansas Children's Discovery Center, 4400 S.W. 10th Ave.
- Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave.
- NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, 935 N. Kansas Ave.
Topeka Public Schools USD 501 monarch butterfly sculpture project
Through a partnership with the Topeka Rotary Club and the Topeka Zoo, Topeka Public Schools will design and create an original sculpture for the exhibit.
Selected fourth-grade students from across the district will collaborate to design, build and install a 4-by-5-foot monarch butterfly sculpture made from recycled materials. The after-school program will run from March 24 through the end of April. In May, elementary schools across the district will hold recycling education assemblies to promote sustainable recycling practices at school and at home.
Washburn University's Art Department will support the project by having art education students assist TPS teachers and students with construction of the sculpture. Art education students will provide this support as part of their field experience practicum this semester.
Kaylyn Hobelman, laboratory supervisor and EcoBods advisor, and her students will assist with material collection and educational assemblies.
The monarch butterfly sculpture will be on display at the Mulvane Art Museum Art Lab beginning in May.
See more art on campus
