The Reef features Penny, Petunia, Serena and Tito in a vibrant underwater world built entirely from plastic beach trash collected on Texas beaches. Bright yellow seahorses, spiny puffer fish, and colorful corals burst with life, yet every detail is pieced together from what was once trash polluting our shores.
This environmental art sculpture is both playful and sobering. Penny and Petunia the Puffer Fish swim alongside Serena the Seahorse, surrounded by coral built from bottle caps, broken toys, and discarded containers. Tito the Turtle glides calmly through the scene, a steady guardian of the reef. Each piece is hand-screwed into place, more than 8,000 screws holding the work together, turning refuse into resilience.
The Reef reminds us of what is at stake: our oceans, our wildlife, and our future. An estimated 18 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean every year, and this beach trash sculpture installation makes the invisible visible. The Reef calls viewers to look closer, to see the beauty, but also to understand the cost.
Whether displayed indoors or out, this sculpture transforms space into conversation, sparking awe in children and urgency in adults. It is Washed Up, Picked Up, and Brought to Life.
Let’s talk about your vision.
Every Washed Up Texas sculpture has its own story, and I’d love to hear yours.
If you’re thinking about leasing or buying one, let’s chat about what you’re doing, the space you have, and what you’d like to share with your visitors.
Together we can find the right fit and make something that truly makes an impact.
Call or email me, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.
956-893-2773
connie@washeduptexas.org
