The City of Marathon and Monroe County proudly celebrated Earth Day 2026 with a vibrant and inspiring Art Expo held at Marathon City Hall on Wednesday, April 22. The event showcased more than 37 unique works of art created by over 100 students from Sugarloaf School, Stanley Switlik Elementary School, Marathon Middle/High School, and the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.
Each piece was crafted from ocean trash and single-use waste materials, highlighting the students’ creativity while delivering a powerful environmental message. The initiative was the brainchild of Melody Tuschel, Monroe County Recycling Coordinator, who visited participating schools to present the “Sea the Change in the Florida Keys” program. This 4-month educational effort encouraged students to design impactful 3-D recycled art raising awareness about marine debris and its effects on oceans, coral reefs, and wildlife. By blending art, education, and environmental stewardship, the program transformed waste into meaningful expressions of change.
The Expo welcomed approximately 75 community members who attended to view the artwork, vote in four award categories, connect with local environmental organizations, and enjoy food from onsite vendors. The four categories were Environmental Impact, Strongest Message, Teamwork & Collaboration, and People’s Choice. The City of Marathon extends its sincere appreciation to all who participated and supported the event.
Special thanks are extended to participating vendors, including Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Marathon Wild Bird Center, (featuring Quinn the Owl, a blind ambassador who delighted guests), The Turtle Hospital (featuring rescued turtle Miss Stormy), Bucky the Deer was there to help people to remember to slow down in the refuge area, and the Monroe County Recycling Program.
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##14 Saving the Coral Reef | #11 Environment Scape |
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#26 Hammerhead | #31 Grouper |
Environmental Impact
#14 - SS 4th Grade "Saving the Coral Reef", Artists: Jayden D and Andrew W
Strongest Message
#11 - SS 4th Grade "Environment Scape", Artists: Marihanis, Nathalia, Yumi
Teamwork & Collaboration
#26 - Sugarloaf, 4th, 5th, 6th Grades " Hammerhead Shark", Artists: Taylen, Marieign, Lillian, Jayde
People's Choice: Tie #26 and #31 -
#26 Sugarloaf 4th, 5th & 6th Grades "Hammerhead Shark" - Artists: Taylen, Marieign, Lillian, Jayde
#31 - Sugarloaf 4th & 5th Grades "Grouper" - Artists: Lucas, Robert, Evander, Hudson, Zayn