A joyful and inspiring day unfolded at the June 2024 EcoFest Encinitas, where I had the honor of exhibiting Spiraling Into the Current in the stunning glass Hatch Gathering space at Fox Point Farms.

This colorful spiral, made entirely from plastic collected on North County San Diego beaches, symbolized the swirling ocean currents that carry debris into the North Pacific Garbage Patch. It offered a striking contrast to Lia Strell’s beautiful installation made from foraged natural materials — compost, lemons, pine cones, marigolds, and driftwood.

Visitors of all ages expressed wonder as they stepped into the space. While children explored Lia’s organic mandala, played a plastic scavenger hunt game, and created their own marine debris art, families paused to look more closely, deepening their appreciation for nature and gaining a greater understanding of the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

To learn more about Lia Strell and EcoFest Encinitas, read the San Diego Union-Tribune Interview: Pairing Her Care for the Planet with Her Love of Creating Art. Lia is an artist, filmmaker, and climate activist, and currently serves as the creative director for EcoFest Encinitas, an annual environmental fair.

Save the date! EcoFest 2025 is scheduled for June 1 at Encinitas Community Park.