With much discussion these days centered on how humans have contributed to damaging the fragile coral reef ecosystem, environmental artist, and Blue Scholars partner, Beatriz Chachamovits has created an installation, Into the Great Dying: Roles We Play, that instead encourages audiences to participate in rebuilding a reef. "The tactile experience of holding replicas of at-risk local coral species aims to create a grounding experience for visitors, encouraging them to take a mindful approach to the rapidly shifting climate."

Over several years, Chachamovits has blended her practice in ceramics and drawing with teaching, bridging a gap between visual art and science. Paired with video content (below) featuring Miami-based marine scientists and ecological teaching-activists, like Blue Scholars Initiative, this interactive installation encourages new ways of confronting the climate crisis. After decades of ominous warnings and heightened fear about the state of the planet, this body of work offers a different perspective: what can we build together?

Into the Great Dying: Roles We Play is on exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, now through November 21.