NORTH BAY VILLAGE
Treasure Island Elementary
“The Underwater” has made waves at North Bay Village’s Treasure Island Elementary, showcasing an interactive public mural designed to spark crucial conversations about climate change. The mural’s vibrant “7” represents the school’s elevation above sea level, emphasizing the importance of understanding our community’s future amidst rising sea levels.
Cortada’s initiative extended to an engaging presentation for the NBV summer camp kids, where he educated them about the impacts of rising seas and the need to preserve our natural environment. North Bay Village Mayor Brent Latham joined the presentation, highlighting the village’s proactive measures to adapt to sea level rise and demonstrating how local leadership is actively working on solutions.
Students received innovative yard signs equipped with QR codes, allowing families to discover their home’s elevation above sea level by scanning the code and entering their address. This initiative encourages students to place these signs in their front yards, creating a visual representation of our community’s vulnerability to sea level rise and motivating neighbors to engage with elected officials on this pressing issue.
Later this summer, Cortada will unveil another public art project in Vogel Park. This sculpture will serve as an elevation marker, showing visitors exactly how many feet above sea level the park sits. This piece is not just art; it is an educational tool designed to inform residents about the protective measures they can take against rising seas.
“The Underwater” aims to do more than just raise awareness; it empowers the community to take action. From school murals to park sculptures, Cortada is making climate change an issue that cannot be ignored. The collaboration between the Cortada Foundation and local leaders like Mayor Brent Latham is crucial in driving these initiatives forward.
Dr. Paul Vogel Park
Unveiling of "The Underwater" Elevation Sculpture in North Bay Village
Vogel Park
7920 West Drive, North Bay Village, FL 33141
On October 29, 2024, North Bay Village proudly unveiled a new elevation marker sculpture, The Underwater, by renowned eco-artist Xavier Cortada at Dr. Paul Vogel Park. This interactive installation event brought together community members, the North Bay Village Mayor, and the Commission to engage with climate art and discuss pressing environmental issues impacting our neighborhood.
As part of Cortada’s project, The Underwater, the sculpture at Vogel Park symbolizes our community’s elevation above sea level, serving as a powerful reminder of North Bay Village’s vulnerability to sea level rise and climate change. Attendees had the opportunity to actively participate in the project by creating their own elevation yard signs, bringing climate awareness back to their neighborhoods.
The event underscored North Bay Village’s commitment to fostering climate awareness through art, education, and community involvement, inspiring residents to take meaningful steps toward a resilient and sustainable future.
