Gabrielle Duykers, Naracoorte Community News
A unique Kingston art project will see participants fashion miniature lobsters out of ocean rubbish, in the hopes of increasing public understanding on the dangers of plastic pollution.
The project is part of the Fringe on Tour Festival which will visit the coastal community from March 4 to March 6.
Made possible through funds from Stand Like Stone, Kingston District Council has partnered with Kingston SE Small Steps and Robe-based artist JoJo Spook to deliver the project.
Together they will conduct a series of workshops where fringe-goers use recycled materials and collect ocean debris to construct tiny versions of Kingston’s iconic Big Lobster, commonly known as Larry the Lobster.
JoJo Spook is an award-winning artist who frequently uses rope, plastic and other washed-up items to form her artworks.
“I am passionate about the marine environment, collection of ocean debris and educating others in the process”, Ms Spook said.
“I am looking forward to working with the public on this environmental project, and perhaps creating an opportunity for people to be involved in something different, whilst advocating for environmental awareness.”
The completed creations will be placed in donated clay pots and displayed as a temporary sculpture around the town.
Kingston SE Small Steps is a not-for-profit group working to minimise plastic use while advocating for sustainable practices. Its volunteers make shopping bags out of unwanted fabric and distribute them freely to local businesses and shops to deter people from single-use plastic bags.
Small Steps organiser Elizabeth Wingard said she was excited to be a part of the project.
“We’re hoping to include as many people as we possibly can and to help them understand what the problem is with all the rubbish that washes up on the beach,” Ms Wingard said.
“It will also show that you can reuse and recycle stuff for a good purpose.”
The variety and volume of rubbish frequently found in the Kingston community will be highlighted throughout the workshops.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
