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Ocean Science RadioAuthor: Ocean Science Radio
Ocean Science Radio is a joint project between Andrew Kornblatt, founder and host of the Online Ocean Symposium, and Naomi Frances Farabaugh of FIU. Previous co-host was Samantha Wishnak, Digital Media Coordinator at Ocean Exploration Trust. The program will focus on and highlight the latest and greatest ocean science stories that the world has to offer. Language: en Genres: Natural Sciences, Nature, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Art Meets Ocean - Inside Portland's Revolutionary Cartoon Aquarium
Episode 105
Thursday, 30 October, 2025
Episode DescriptionWhat happens when you combine marine biology expertise with immersive art? You get the world's only cartoon aquarium—and it's right here in Portland.Join us as we explore the Portland Aquarium, an innovative art installation that's reimagining ocean education. Artist Mike Bennett and marine biologist Chanel Hason have created an experience featuring over 100 hand-painted marine species across six biomes—with zero live animals and maximum imagination.Discover how this unique collaboration addresses real challenges in science communication: How do you show people a blue whale or giant squid when you can't keep them in captivity? How do you bring ocean education to communities without access to traditional aquariums? And how can art become a gateway to marine conservation?From the technical details of getting sea otter tails scientifically accurate to the emotional power of painted seagulls with flapping wings, Mike and Chanel share the story of transforming a vacant downtown Portland space into a hub of creativity, education, and community connection—complete with support for real conservation work through the Elakha Alliance's sea otter reintroduction efforts.Featured GuestsMike Bennett - Portland-based artist and creator of immersive educational installations including the Portland AquariumChanel Hason - Marine biologist and Director of Outreach & Community Relations at Elakha AllianceKey TopicsThe intersection of art and marine science educationAdvantages of artistic representations versus traditional aquariumsScientific accuracy in creative work (yes, sea otter tail length matters!)Bringing ocean education to landlocked communitiesCreating community spaces through immersive artSupporting marine conservation through creative collaborationThe Elakha Alliance's work to reintroduce sea otters to OregonEpisode HighlightsWhy Portland's cartoon aquarium features species you'd never see in a traditional aquarium—like blue whales and giant squidHow Mike's childhood visits to the Baltimore Aquarium inspired a career in immersive animal educationThe viral success of Mike's pandemic-era "A, B, Sea" installation that attracted 1,000+ visitors to his front yardChanel's emotional connection to seeing the first footage of a living giant squidHow the installation transformed a downtown corner from "graffiti and cigarette butts" to "sidewalk chalk and bubbles"The truth about blobfish: why they look so different at the surface versus the deep seaCreating animatronic seagulls and working with composer RAC to bring the installation to lifePlans for a portable version to bring ocean education to schools in landlocked statesMentioned in This EpisodeOrganizations:Elakha Alliance - Working to reintroduce sea otters to the Oregon coastBig Fish Lab at Oregon State UniversityImaginary Planet - Portland animation studioThe Portland AquariumLocation: Broadway & Alder, Downtown Portland, OregonOpen 7 days a weekInstagram: @theportlandaquariumGeneral admission: $14 | Children 2-12: $10 | Under 2: FreeComing Soon: Zoo Aquarium Podcast - Mike and Chanel's upcoming show answering kids' questions about animalsQuote of the Episode"It's the only cartoon aquarium in the world, which I think is really special. And there's a blue whale in the aquarium and some wild deep sea critters that couldn't be held in captivity no matter how you tried." - Chanel HasonWhy This MattersThe Portland Aquarium demonstrates how creative collaboration between artists and scientists can solve real problems in science communication and conservation outreach. By making ocean education accessible, affordable, and imaginative, Mike and Chanel are proving that wonder—and learning—can come in many forms.Ocean Science Radio brings you the latest, greatest, and sometimes deepest stories in the ocean. Hosted by Andrew Kornblatt and Dr. Frances Farabaugh.
