Flotsam and Jetsam 2022 exhibition at Geraldton’s Latitude Jewellers opens on May 1 for public vote

Nautical-themed and wearable art created out of debris collected from the Abrolhos Islands will be centre stage at the Flotsam and Jetsam exhibition opening this weekend. The event promotes sustainability and art therapy and all entries will be showcased at the exhibition at Latitude Jewellers, which will be open to the public from Sunday. The themes of this year’s exhibition are nautical wonders, myths and mysteries, as well as a separate wearable art category. Artists swarmed to the Fisherman’s Wharf during the first week of March to pick out waste collected from the Abrolhos Islands, with a few weeks up their sleeve to transform the rubbish into artwork. Founder Pia Boschetti said Flotsam and Jetsam delivered an inclusive exhibition in which all people involved could get a kick out of the creativity on offer. “From the people who collect the rubbish to the people who enter, everyone is getting something out of it,” she said. “Whether it’s enjoyment cleaning up the environment, or it’s an enjoyment making a work of art, or they’re getting their own therapy by communicating how they’re feeling through the piece of art they are making. “Flotsam is actually more about everybody’s sense of community and sense of emotional wellbeing. “We expected Flotsam to just make a bit of art because it looks good and it’s something fun to do. Now it’s evolved into so much more meaning and the reach of people it affects is far bigger than I’d imagined.” Flotsam and Jetsam partner Joanne Panter said the idea emerged as motivation for art therapy after Mrs Boschetti’s close friend died of cancer. “There was a lady who actually came to the wharf and this (her artwork) is called Inconsolable Waves and her husband died in September,” Ms Panter said. “She said the first time she smiled was at the wharf collecting this and the art therapy behind it made her create the waves and her broken heart. “Because it’s such an inclusive event, you don’t have to pay to enter, you don’t pay for materials and then you can sell it as well.” Artworks are available for sale from $20 and upwards of thousands of dollars. The community can view the exhibition until May 28 and are welcomed to vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced on May 27. There are multiple categories, including artistic view and a junior award. Winners will receive a day trip to Abrolhos Islands or a $1000 voucher.