Celebrate Earth Day with “Gaia: The Earth on Key Biscayne”
A FREE Art Exhibition at Monaco Reflection Pools Starting Earth Day Weekend. This 23-foot in diameter exact replica of the Earth, evokes awe and wonder.
We are so sorry that this magnificent exhibit had to end due to unforeseen circumstances. What was meant as a meaningful art installation, pointing to the fragility of our planet and our responsibility to care for her turned into an object lesson on the impact of warmer, wetter, weather.
We apologize for any inconvenience and ask that you would consider supporting one of our many other environment and resilience initiatives.
Kicking off Earth Day, the Key Biscayne Community Foundation and the Village of Key Biscayne are pleased to announce the arrival of the internationally renowned “Gaia,” a global touring art installation by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring nearly 23 feet in diameter, this installation is a scale replica of Earth, created using detailed NASA imagery of the planet’s surface.
The exhibit will be on display at the Art in Public Places: Monaco Reflection Pools, 530 Crandon Boulevard, on Key Biscayne for three days each week starting on Earth Day Eve, April 21 through the weekend of May 7.
This artwork is the centerpiece of a number of activities and events that encourage care and concern for the environment. Events include:
Friday, April 21
VIP reception (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm)
Saturday, April 22
Exhibit open to the public with a digital photo booth (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
Sunday, April 23
Exhibit open to the public until take down at midnight.
Wednesday, April 26
Paradise Park Ribbon Cutting Celebration from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 27
Yoga (8:30 am – 9:30 am)
Students in Park drawing Gaia and writing poetry (10:00 am – 11:00 am)
Music in the Park (6:30 pm – 7:30 pm)
Friday, April 28
Active Seniors on the Key (ASK) Club dancers space odyssey routine (10:00 am to 11:00 am)
Music and cornhole in the Park (6:00 pm to 8:00 pm)
Friday, May 5 (Canceled due to circumstances beyond our control)
ASK Club dance group with Mexican theme dance (10:00 am to 11:00 am)
Fill A Bag leads students on clean up around Village and Village Green (3:30 pm to 4:30 pm)
Food trucks and Mariachi (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm)
Saturday, May 6 (Canceled due to circumstances beyond our control)
Citizen Science Project presentation about “Earth” (11:00 am to noon)
Picnic in the park with poetry (1:00 pm to 2:00 pm)
Sunday, May 7 (Canceled due to circumstances beyond our control)
Tai Chi (8:30 am to 9:30 am)
Yoga (10:00 am to 11:00 am)
Gaia: The Earth on Key Biscayne
“Gaia is not just an impressive 23-foot outdoor art installation, but it serves as a powerful symbol of the Village of Key Biscayne’s commitment to protecting our environment,” said Melissa White, President and CEO of the Key Biscayne Community Foundation. “The artwork provides the viewer with a new perspective of our place on this fragile planet, a sense that the societies of the Earth are all interconnected by and dependent on our environment. This is true in South Florida, and particularly profound here on our island community of Key Biscayne.”
The location of Gaia, opposite Paradise Park, holds symbolic significance as Paradise Park has been rehabilitated from a former gas station, representing renewal and transformation.
“After more than 20 years, the former brownfield has been transformed into a beautiful park and community gathering space,” said Village Manager, Steve Williamson. “This exemplifies Key Biscayne’s commitment to our environment. We took a parking lot and created more paradise.” The park’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony align perfectly with Earth Day week, symbolizing the creation of a green space that enhances the community and promotes environmental well-being.
Anne Rothe, Key Biscayne Community Foundation board member said, “Seeing Planet Earth in this way, in all its glory, is awe inspiring. It reminds us, if nothing else, how beautiful and delicate our lives are in the universe. It also means we need to wake-up and explore ways we can collectively step up to preserve this small part of the planet we call home. There is no Plan(et) B!”
Most captivating after sundown, visitors to the Earth on Key Biscayne will have the opportunity to see our planet floating in three dimensions. From Germany, to Australia, Canada, UK, and Sweden, Gaia has traveled the globe and inspired millions to see the Earth in a new, more precious light.
Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors
Bringing Gaia to Key Biscayne was made possible by the Village of Key Biscayne, the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, Key Biscayne Historical and Heritage Society, Key Biscayne Citizen Scientist Project, and the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce with support from the following sponsors: Key Biscayne Life Enhancement Forum, HBCT, and Tank Brewing, Co.
The Key Biscayne Community Foundation is proud to support this extraordinary art installation, a powerful reminder of the crucial need for environmental protection and conservation. The entire community is invited to this free event, where they can come together and reflect on ways to support the Foundation in its efforts to safeguard the environmental gem that is Key Biscayne.
