The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its annual Urban Ocean Festival on April 28 and 29. Visitors will enjoy the Trashin’ Fashion show, boat cruises, art and other activities inspired by the ocean and learn more about how to better appreciate the urban ocean.

As the Aquarium observes its 20th anniversary this year, the Urban Ocean Art Contest, in partnership with the Arts Council, will celebrate the institution’s mission and vision statements. The Aquarium’s mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. Its vision is to create an aquarium dedicated to building natural capital (nature and nature’s services) by building social capital, the connections between and among peoples. The theme of your work should reflect those statements and may include artwork about the ocean, marine life, people acting as ocean stewards, or the Aquarium itself.

Up to three submissions are welcome. There will be winners in each of the three categories:

  • painting/drawing (may include digital art and collage/mixed media)
  • photography
  • sculpture

One winner selected in each category will receive $500 and his or her winning artwork will be displayed at the festival. One artist will then be selected as the Grand Prize winner and will receive an additional $250. Winning artwork may be selected to be displayed at the Aquarium throughout the anniversary year and later returned to the artist.

The deadline to submit to the contest is Friday, March 30. For more information and to submit to the contest visit aquariumofpacific.org.