REcycled REef is a public art piece installed in 2022 near the entrance of South Beach Park in Boca Raton. It is part of the Art in Public Places Program. This art work was created out of the inspiration to come up with creative ways to repurpose, recycle, and conserve.
REcycled REef is the vision of local artist Gregory Dirr who often uses nature as a theme in his artwork. Dirr received his BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design. During his art career he has been involved in exhibitions, curating, public sculptures, murals, woodworking, metalworking, masonry, art direction, installation, photography, video, music, fine jewelry making, printmaking, textiles, set design, and prop making.
Dirr created the pink and blue hued reef out of discarded materials found in the ocean, canals, and waterways of Boca Raton. The core structure of the reef was created with recycled metal rebar, wire mesh, and concrete. Discarded plastics were attached with concrete mortar to the outside. Gregory personally collected all the plastic used in the project. The plastic was then treated, primed, and painted with UV coating.
I love the message of REcycled REef which was designed to educate the community about the harmful effects of pollution and plastics on marine life while inspiring sustainable actions through an eye catching artistic creation. This piece is located near where sea turtles nest, driving home its critical message even further. Help our ecology by reducing, reusing, and recycling! read more