Louise Irvine

Dive into WMODA to explore the wonders of the deep, created by contemporary ceramic and glass artists. See how the four elements of earth, air, fire and water have been combined to create the museum’s new Splash! exhibition, which opens on Saturday, February 21. Discover all the great work being done by the Ocean Rescue Alliance to conserve the coral reefs off the Florida coast. 

Discover how the world’s leading glass artists have been inspired by the ocean, including Chihuly’s abstract Seaforms and Lino Tagliapietra’s dinosaurs from the depths of the Venetian lagoon. The aquatic ecstasy of Venice is also captured by Anna Paola Cibin in her silk-velvet paintings, depicting shoals of fish adorned with gold leaf and Murano glass eyes. 

Experience our “Sea of Glass” with contemporary designs by artists in Florida, from Josh Fradis, who is making waves at WMODA with his marvelous marine creatures, to Rob Stern’s spectacular seashells and corals. Grace Chepenik, who blows glass at Benzaiten, is creating shark’s teeth in striking dichroic glass.

See how WMODA is awash with weird underwater critters, including fish, mollusks and crustaceans created by ceramic artists. In Britain, Roger Cockram, marine biologist turned potter, is fascinated by the colors, reflections and textures of water and makes stunning stoneware and porcelain vessels. Closer to home, Alyssa Ligmont is inspired by tide pools at the Florida seashore to make functional stoneware embellished with shells and starfish, which are sold in the WMODA Museum Shop. 

In South Africa, the Ardmore Studio has imagined Zulu people riding on fish, dolphins and even an octopus. There are several whimsical whale riders created in honor of World Whale Day, which this year is celebrated on February 15. For the past 40 years, this annual event has raised awareness of marine conservation, particularly threats to whales such as pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. 

Conservation of our endangered coral reefs in Florida is highlighted at WMODA when you have fun with the Mermaid selfie tail loaned by the Ocean Rescue Alliance and the 1000 Mermaids Project. Discover how you can help with all the great work that ORA is doing with the artificial coral reef and sculpture garden offshore at Hollywood Beach. The habitat modules are designed to restore critical marine life, attenuate waves, retain beach sand and protect coastlines. The underwater sculptures and selfie opportunities with mermaids and mermen are a huge draw for ecotourists and art lovers. The Guardians of the Sea reef is the first accessible to snorkelers in South Florida. Experienced divers can also head a mile off the coast by vessel to explore the original ORA reef. 

Take a deep dive into the fabulous Fired Arts collection at WMODA and go fishing for valuable information about Florida’s marine environment when the Splash! exhibition opens on February 21. Learn more about the Splash! exhibition.

Read about the ocean in the Fired Arts at WMODA
Splash! Exhibition
Splash! Exhibition Opening Event
Sea of Glass
Alyssa Ligmont, Inspirational Shells
Lino Tagliapietra, Lino’s Dinos
Josh Fradis, The Journey of Two
Anna Paola Cibin, The Velvet Lagoon
Roger Cockram, Dive in with Roger Cockram, Roger Cockram in His Element
Ocean Rescue Alliance, World Ocean Day, Save Our Tropical Paradise
Mermaids, Mysterious Mermaids