Easy Summer Road Trip: Botanica’s “Washed Ashore” Exhibit in Wichita!

This post is sponsored by Botanica Gardens in Wichita - we are excited to check out their newest exhibit!

Botanica GardensFrom May 14 through October 23, 2022, visitors can experience the one-of-a-kind, “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea,” exhibit at Botanica Gardens in Wichita, Kansas. The exhibit is included with general admission, and features fourteen oversized sculptures placed throughout the gardens and made entirely from marine debris! Visitors are encouraged to touch, learn and make memories with these enormous works of art, which includes an 18-foot-tall jellyfish, an octopus bigger than a car and an 11-foot-long shark named Chompers. All of these sculptures are made from common items washed up on the beach, such as kids toys, bottles, sunglasses, suitcase handles, makeup containers and so much more!

Wichita’s Newest Jaw-Dropping Attraction

With the help of numerous sponsors such as Mel Hambelton Ford, Textron Aviation, Koch Industries, Delta Dental, Evergy, Baird Private Wealth Management, and a multitude of local businesses and families, Botanica is proud to bring “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea” to Wichita. “The environment is very important to us here at Botanica,” said Marty Miller, Executive Director of Botanica. “To have an exhibit on display that has processed over 35 tons of plastic pollution from the Pacific Northwest’s ocean beaches in the last ten years is just incredible.”

The sculptures are part of the non-profit organization’s commitment to combating plastic pollution through art and education. Their mission is to build and exhibit aesthetically powerful art to educate a global audience about plastic pollution in the ocean and waterways, and to spark positive changes in consumer habits. Visit “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea” to have an awakening of your heart and mind to the global marine debris crisis.

What Else Is There to Do at Botanica?

To go along with these giant and oversized works of art, Botanica is also offering a ton of activities and programming specific to the exhibit. Everyone is encouraged to sink their toes in the sand and lounge on Botanica’s very own beach. Visitors young and old will enjoy exploring the bug and aquatic bungalow. Many family-friendly activities focused on recycling, conservation, reusing materials, composting and more will be available all season long! And for parents who might need a little bit of a break while visiting, there will also be unique water-themed art classes, fitness classes and lectures available through October. 

Even once you’ve found each sculpture and interacted with every activity part of the “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea,” there is still plenty to do at Botanica! Botanica’s 20 acres of ever-changing botanical wonderland houses more than 30 themed areas and over 4,000 plant species. As guests wind through the gardens looking for the exhibit’s sculptures, they will also discover additional gems. Inspiring sculptures, relaxing water features, and even a ride on a restored 1949 carousel means Botanica is fun for the whole family!

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Oklahoma City Mom
Oklahoma City Mom is the go-to parenting resource for parents navigating life in the Metro. We love to explore OKC with kids and provide practical information and helpful resources as well as connecting moms to our local community and each other.

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