The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature presents its new 2023 site-specific installation, Message in a Bottle, featuring Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss, as well as work by glass artist Sari Scheer.

A mobile of colorful fish against a tuorquoise backdrop is part of the Message in a Bottle installation in the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery at the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature.
Message in a Bottle display, which focuses on ocean plastic pollution, is on view May 2023 through February 2024 in the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery at the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature. Image Credit: Elizabeth Criss

The long-term display, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view May 2023 through February 2024.

The show marks the third iteration of the museum’s tower installation program, which aims to highlight Southern California artists inspired by the environment and provides an indoor-outdoor art experience for Solvang visitors.

Criss’ proposal was selected from the museum’s 2023 request for artist submissions focusing on environmental impacts on the ocean.

“We received several strong proposals for the space this year, and felt that Elizabeth struck just the right tone with important environmental messaging about the harm of plastics in our oceans while done in a creative and family-friendly way,” said Stacey Otte-Demangate, Wildling Museum executive director.

“The installation also has amazing curb appeal from the street at night, so its important message resonates 24/7. We’re grateful to Elizabeth, Sari and their team for all their efforts.”

From the sidewalk and walking into Message in a Bottle, viewers are immersed in an underwater world that presents simultaneously playful and wary sea life. Translucent-colored plastic glints in the sunlight like pieces of lost treasure as sunbeams filter through the round room.

Repurposed plastics in the form of painted wide-eyed PVC fish, hanging strands of medicine bottle kelp, and intricately cut jellyfish created from liter soda bottles make the space home.

A raised relief porthole looks out to an underwater landscape of coral and fish, surrounded by mounted glass bottles by Sari Scheer that tumble across the walls. Etched designs embellish the upcycled bottles with detailed images of sea life and carved messages, creating a sense of wonder while making calls for action.

Criss’ installation invokes viewers to consider their impact on the ocean – “we can end this plastic tide, it’s true.”

“This installation gave me an opportunity to raise awareness about the critical problem of plastic pollution in our oceans and the damage it causes to their delicate ecosystems,” said Criss.

“I hope the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery installation evokes the beauty and diversity of the marine world and inspires viewers to take action to protect our planet’s resources for future generations.”

Future exhibition programming to be announced. For more information, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org/news/message-in-a-bottle.

Criss is a Los Angeles native, and earned her B.A. in art from California State University, Northridge. Her creative vision explores complex and wondrous aspects of everyday life, with environmental concern for sustainability evident through her use of repurposed materials. She aims to inspire viewers to consider their environmental impact by highlighting the negative consequences of disposable conveniences for future generations.

Learn more about Criss and her work at www.facebook.com/ElizabethCrissArtwork/.

Scheer is a post-consumer glass artist who creates unique works from recycled wine bottles and window glass. Motivated by the idea of combining creativity and sustainability, she uses her art to promote environmental awareness and encourage people to rethink their relationship with the planet.

For more about Scheer and her work, visit www.unwinedglass.com.