Zofia Trujillo

In my work as an early childhood special education teacher, I foster creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental stewardship through the arts. That same spirit, coupled with my deep appreciation for Puerto Rico’s coastlines, inspired this oceanic installation which celebrates the beauty and resilience of marine life through sustainable art. Built entirely from recycled, reclaimed, and reused materials, this fully immersive exhibition transforms everyday waste into a vibrant underwater world. Over 100 hand-crafted pieces, including naturally dyed coffee filter anemones, hand sculpted coral, and a six-foot papier-mâché whale shark, showcase the potential in discarded materials. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 93% of Puerto Rico’s reefs are threatened, with 84% at high risk. Drawing from the beauty of the island’s coastlines, this work explores the creative power of reuse in honor of the ocean’s fragile ecosystems. Visitors are invited to celebrate art and support Conservación ConCiencia, an organization dedicated to protecting Puerto Rico’s beautiful reefs and marine life. “Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea.” —Dr. Sylvia Earle