Celebrating the Ocean at the Game of Trees Festival
This year, Healthy Seas had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Game of Trees Festival in Les Orres, France, alongside our talented education volunteer and in-house artist, Fábio de Sá. The festival, held from July 29 to August 3, 2024, is a vibrant celebration where music, art, and nature converge to address climate change and environmental preservation. We were thrilled to contribute to this unique event that highlights the importance of protecting our planet.
A Voice for the Ocean: Fabio’s Interactive Workshop
Fábio de Sá kicked off our participation with an engaging workshop that invited festival-goers to explore the theme of “giving voice to the ocean.” Attendees crafted origami envelopes from recycled materials, each one symbolizing a message from the ocean. The activity encouraged people to reflect on what the ocean might say if it could speak. The messages written and the creativity displayed were truly inspiring, showcasing the deep connection people feel towards our marine environments. (link to previous post)
The Living Wall: A Collective Artistic Expression
Fabio’s artistic vision didn’t stop at the workshop. He transformed the festival venue with a living wall made entirely of the origami envelopes created by participants. This wall became a dynamic and ever-evolving canvas, inviting festival-goers to contribute their own messages and thoughts. As more envelopes were added, the wall grew into a poignant symbol of collective concern and hope for the ocean, showcasing the powerful voices of many individuals united for a common cause.
Highlighting Coral Reefs: “The Mirror of the Ocean”
In another striking contribution, Fabio unveiled a 3D art piece titled “The Mirror of the Ocean.” This installation offered a unique and immersive experience. Visitors could view a vertical representation of a coral reef, with coral mirrors incorporated into the piece. These mirrors allowed viewers to see themselves reflected amidst the artwork, symbolizing the interconnectedness between humans and coral reefs. The installation served as a poignant reminder that we are both witnesses to and participants in the fate of these vital ecosystems. By reflecting on the coral reef, visitors were invited to consider their own role in its preservation.
A Memorable Experience: Community Engagement and Awareness
The Game of Trees Festival was a resounding success, with many attendees actively participating in the workshops and contributing to the walls of envelopes and coral reef art. It was a powerful reminder of how art and community engagement can spark conversations and inspire action for environmental causes.
If the Ocean Could Speak: Your Thoughts
We’d love to hear from you! If the ocean could speak, what do you think it would say? Share your thoughts and messages with us, and let’s continue to amplify the ocean’s voice together.
The Game of Trees Festival was an incredible experience, beautifully merging art, nature, and awareness in a celebration of our environment. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event and look forward to future collaborations that continue to inspire and educate.
"If the Ocean Could Speak"
Do you want to organize an "If the Ocean Could Speak" event in your school or community? Or do you want to participate?
What stories would it tell about the life beneath the waves, the challenges it faces, and the beauty it holds?
Our campaign invites people of all ages to ponder these questions and express themselves through art and messages.
Check out the instructions to participate or contact us to organize a workshop at your event!
