One of the many pieces featured in the marine debris exhibit at Rock Harbor. Loon sculpture constructed with marine debris materials by Mariah Reading/Mariah Reading

Isle Royale National Park, with support and funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program, has unveiled an exhibit in the Rock Harbor Auditorium about the impacts of marine debris on the park and Lake Superior. 

This exhibit was designed, curated, and painted by artist Mariah Reading, an eco-artist and strong advocate for the existence, preservation, and accessibility of national parks. Contributors also include Adrienne Wallner and David Mainero.

"Visitors may be surprised to learn that marine debris affects even the remote reaches of Isle Royale," said Haley Dalian, Great Lakes regional coordinator for NOAA's Marine Debris Program. "Art is a powerful way to engage visitors in the conversation of marine debris and inspire action, whether on the island or back home."

Installations in the exhibit include a hands-on cabinet of curiosities filled with unexpected items, artistic creations using marine debris, blackout poetry with opportunities for personal creations, and Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence works. Marine debris displayed in this exhibit was entirely collected along the shoreline of Lake Superior by staff and volunteers throughout the summer of 2023. Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy provided marine debris collected from shorelines along the upper peninsula of Michigan for the cabinet of curiosities.

Viewing the exhibit requires traveling to Isle Royale National Park, which involves either ferry, seaplane, or private boat transportation from Michigan or Minnesota. To help plan a trip, visit the First Timers Guide on the park’s website. In coming years, this exhibit will travel around the park and to gateway communities. Find out more about preventing marine debris at marinedebris.noaa.gov.