Local MP Sheryll Murray was pleased to attend the opening of Rame Peninsula Beach Care’s summer exhibition of art made from plastic waste retrieved from our local beaches over the past six months at Kingsand Community Hall.
The green outside was turned into a sculpture park for pieces that would not be damaged by the weather whilst inside there were paintings and other exhibits.
Beach Clean Leader Claire Wallerstein explained, "The show features work by a dozen local artists, whose work incorporates different concepts, items, formats and styles in works ranging from large outdoor sculptures to small, delicate pieces, drawings and photography. The overall message of all of them is the same, however. They use the power of art to illustrate what is happening to the sea, calling on us to turn the tide on the throwaway culture that has turned it into a garbage dump in just a few decades. This is not just an aesthetic problem and harmful to our local tourist and fishing industry. The rapidly increasing amount of plastic in the ocean kills an estimated million seabirds and tens of thousands of sea mammals all over the world each year. It is hoped that all the pieces created will go on to find permanent or temporary homes in public spaces throughout our region to help raise awareness about this serious problem.”
Following the visit Sheryll Murray said, “It certainly was an eye opening exhibition and I was pleased to meet up with people like a representative from Keep Britain Tidy. It became very clear that the waste came from both commercial and domestic sources. Having campaigned with the local fishing industry for 30 years I know only too well the damage that litter can cause to our marine environment. I also know how important our tourism industry is and that it is really important that we keep Cornwall clean.
“I explained that I will continue to work with groups to do what I can from my Parliamentary role. I would really like to thank these groups who go out and litter pick many of our beaches. I myself have done this locally and know what a difference they can make to our area and our wildlife."
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Contact: Sheryll Murray MP 01579 344428
Pictured: Sheryll is pictured with some of the local artists and a lobster sculpture.