Posted July 17, 2026

VBMA is proud to host Coastal Connections on August 8 for a special, environmentally focused, free-admission Second Saturday. The program complements James Prosek: At Work, currently on view in the Holmes Gallery—an exhibition that celebrates art and nature.

“Our partnership with VBMA is a great example of how we are working with our community to introduce everyone to marine conservation and environmental protection in unique ways,” explained Kendra Bergman, founder and executive director of Coastal Connections. “Collaborations like these are key to meeting our mission and watching one of the greatest conservation success stories unfold within our lifetime.”

The day begins at 10 a.m. in the Bill and Laura Buck Atrium, when members from the Coastal Connections Team will lead an engaging, hands-on experience focused on protecting our local marine life. Using braided fishing line collected from our local waterways, participants can create friendship bracelets to wear or share as a reminder to protect our environment.

The Coastal Connections fishing line recycling program, revitalized in 2024, now includes 49 teal and green tubes installed at beaches, parks, piers, and boat ramps for the collection of used monofilament and braided fishing lines. (VBMA has adopted the fishing line recycling tube at the Riverside Park boat ramp.) The tubes are emptied quarterly; monofilament line is separated from braided line and sent for recycling into various new products and fishing gear. Braided line is made from hard plastic that cannot be recycled but can be repurposed into items such as friendship bracelets.

The August 8 Second Saturday activities also include the Museum Studios family programming from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring short docent-led exhibition tours, sketching in the galleries, and Nature in Layers art making for the kids.

There is no fee or registration required to participate in VBMA’s Second Saturday programming.