When I began my 100 Days of Coral Reefs project, I had one clear goal: to raise awareness about ocean conservation through small, intentional actions, by learning, changing habits, and creating with purpose. I didn’t know exactly where it would lead, but I hoped it would spark something.
Now the the project has wrapped, I’m proud to share that it did more than I could have imagined.
A Quick Recap
This year’s 100 Day journey wasn’t about painting every day. It was about doing something every day, no matter how small, to support ocean conservation. Along the way, I changed my diet to reduce my carbon footprint, switched to reef-safe products, supported marine non-profits, and created a series of 20 small nudibranch paintings to give away in exchange for the chance to urge recipients to join me in my endeavor.
What Happened Next
- All 20 Paintings found homes almost immediately: I was pleasantly surprised at the project’s reception. Most of the paintings went to people already passionate about ocean health, so, it was a bit like ‘preaching to the choir’. Still, the experience was both validating and heartening.
- Recipients shared their own conservation stories: the paintings became a conversation starter, a thank-you, and a reminder of shared purpose. More than once, someone (a recipient or a bystander) said “Great idea; I want to do something like this.”
- An opportunity emerged: one of the biggest surprises was connecting with someone involved in shark research and conservation. That initial contact has turned into a painting commission for a fundraiser supporting their organization, a perfect example of art as a catalyst for action.
Nudibranchs that Started It All
These tiny, surreal sea slugs became the face of my project for a reason: the are visually striking, easy to fall in love with, and quietly vital to reef ecosystems. Their popularity proved that art can soften science, and turn alien-seeming creatures into something relatable.
View a selection of some of the nudibranchs from the 100 Days ‘give-away’ here My Galleries
What’s Next?
I’m continuing to build new galleries focused on different reef creatures: sharks, parrotfish, corals, and more. Each haw their own ecological story to tell. As the art grows, so does the message: The ocean is worth fighting for, one painting at a time.
If you’d like to follow along, share your own reef connections, or support future projects, feel free to reach out.
Thank you to every one who made 100 Days of Coral Reefs such a meaningful experience.
Kelley, The Ocean Artivist