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Artivism: Vision to Voice — Program Overview & Event Calendar
Artivism: Vision to Voice is a year-long creative education program led by Water Warrior Alliance for underserved middle school students in St. Petersburg. The program blends art, environmental learning, teamwork, and civic engagement through hands-on experiences held across museums, waterfronts, parks, and community spaces.
Students are encouraged to participate in all events throughout the year. Each experience builds on the last—helping students grow creatively, develop confidence, work as a team, and gain real-world exposure to environmental action, art, and community leadership.
Participation in Water Warrior Alliance–hosted events and cleanups ensures students are registered, supported, and covered while engaging in program activities.
Artivism: Vision to Voice is supported by funding from the City of St. Petersburg and implemented by Water Warrior Alliance in partnership with artists, educators, volunteers, and community organizations.
2026 Artivism: Vision to Voice Event Calendar
Students are encouraged to attend as many events as possible. Each event includes its own registration link for participants.
REGISTRATION FOR EVERY EVENT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND IS REQUIRED. SPACE IS LIMITED!
February 19
Civic History & Creative Reflection – Museum Experience
Docent-led museum visit focused on civic history, public art, and environmental themes. Students explore examples of artwork they will encounter throughout the year and begin reflective journaling, brainstorming, and creative planning to set the tone for the program.
March 7
Roots & Shoots: Salt Creek & Booker Creek Stories
Students participate in a Watergoat cleanup at Salt Creek followed by a hands-on art and storytelling experience at Booker Creek. The day focuses on watersheds, stormwater systems, teamwork, and translating environmental action into creative expression.
April 25
St. Pete Ocean Sweep — Youth Division & Youth Art Challenge
Students form teams and compete in the Youth Division of the St. Pete Ocean Sweep Trash Tournament, learning the importance of teamwork, environmental responsibility, and leadership.
In addition to the cleanup, students take part in a Youth Art Challenge, creating artwork inspired by materials recovered during the event. Prizes are awarded for teamwork, creativity, storytelling, and environmental message.
May 1
Fishing, Gyotaku & Reel In & Recycle
Students learn responsible fishing practices and marine stewardship while creating traditional gyotaku (fish rubbings). The event introduces the Reel In & Recycle program and explores the impacts of fishing line and marine debris.
June 8
World Oceans Day: Art with a Trash Twist
World Oceans Day–themed creative workshop using recovered and upcycled materials. Students explore ocean conservation, pollution, and material choice through mixed media art and guided discussion.
Volunteer: SignUpGenius link
July 23
Digital Design & Environmental Messaging
Students explore digital design tools and visual storytelling, learning how art and media can be used to communicate environmental and civic messages.
Volunteer: SignUpGenius link
August 28
Eco Tour & Photo Journaling
Guided eco tour focused on observation, photography, and reflective journaling. Students document their environment and explore personal storytelling through images and written reflection.
Volunteer: SignUpGenius link
September
Creative Technology & Environmental Design
Introduction to creative technology and design thinking, including exposure to tools such as AutoCAD and 3D design used in exhibits and environmental projects.
Volunteer: SignUpGenius link
October 15
Exhibit Prep & Story Development
Students refine artwork, develop written narratives, and prepare pieces for public exhibition. Focus on presentation, storytelling flow, and collaboration.
Volunteer: SignUpGenius link
November 12
Artivism Youth Showcase
Public exhibition celebrating student artwork, storytelling, and environmental learning. Each student receives an Artist Gift Basket recognizing their creative journey and participation throughout the year.
Volunteer: SignUpGenius link
Registration, Volunteers & Support
Event Registration (Students)
Each event has its own registration link for participants.
View all upcoming events and sign up here:
https://www.waterwarrioralliance.org/upcomingevents
Volunteers
Each event above includes a separate SignUpGenius link for community members who want to help behind the scenes with setup, logistics, and event support. Volunteer sign-ups are included within individual event descriptions above.
Volunteer Mentors & Creative Support
Artists, educators, and environmental professionals interested in mentoring or supporting students throughout the year are encouraged to complete our Volunteer/ mentor interest form.
Why Attend All Events?
Students who attend multiple events gain:
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Deeper creative skill development
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Teamwork and leadership experience
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Exposure to museums, waterfronts, and environmental careers
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Hands-on experience in cleanups and civic action
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Eligibility for recognition, prizes, and Artist Gift Baskets
We strongly encourage students to participate in the full program whenever possible to get the most out of the Artivism experience.
-Zulay, FL
“I learned about Watergoats and about 80% of water pollution is actually from storm drains ”
Rudolpho, FL
“Art can be made from anything I learned that pollution happens often and is easy to occur but a huge important task to correct..” - “Art can be made from anything I learned that pollution happens often and is easy to occur but a huge important task to correct..”
Sanaia, FL
“How uplifting the adults were to everyone because that made the kids feel there was no shame in being yourself or different than someone else..”
