Life-size reproductions of children’s artwork highlight the exhibit. (Courtesy photo)

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is getting set to present Whales Are Superheroes!, a collection of exhibits and programs that explore the wonders of whales.

The immersive experience is on display April 14-May 15 at the Santa Barbara Harbor, 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190. The exhibit is free to view with museum admission.

In January and February, SBMM invited kids in grades K-6 at local schools to submit their interpretation of a whale; a whale’s activities; and/or anything ocean-related, such as kelp, starfish, dolphins and other sea creatures.

The artwork has been turned into life-size reproductions that form the highlights of the museum’s sensory exhibit.

Combining the images with the harmonious sounds of whales as they sing to each other, along with video components, and dramatic lighting, A Whale of a Tale brings the kids’ artwork to life and allows audiences to experience whales and their underwater environment through the eyes of a child.

A Whale of a Tale is one part of the multi-faceted exhibit, Whales Are Superheroes!, which will explore the effect whales have on the ocean, climate and climate change, and air quality.

SBMM also will feature:

»Whales Are Superheroes! Saving the Planet one CO2 Molecule at a Time, a student art exhibit of SBMM’s work with local elementary and middle schools.

» The Wonder of Whales: Two Artists’ Perspectives, an ocean-themed display of artwork by Kelly Clause and John Baran.

» Santa Barbara Channel’s Whales and Their Climate Connection, a lecture by Holly Lohuis about how whales affect the climate and about Santa Barbara’s application to be designated an international Whale Heritage Site.

» Whales Are Superheroes! a new permanent exhibit on whales and climate change, which is also part of a joint climate-awareness effort with the Environmental Alliance of Santa Barbara County Museums, https://www.sbmuseumsalliance.org/.

The Whale of a Tale multimedia immersive experience is presented thanks to the following sponsors: Chevron, Dreier Family, Emmett Foundation, Hank and Mari Mitchel, Jack Mithun and Mercedes Millington.

Supporting partners include: Ambient, Ann Johnson Events, Gavin Roy Presents, Meta Teepee, Simply Cocktails, and Tri-Co Reprographics.

Visit sbmm.org or call 805-962-8404 for details.