The press was gathered for a special preview of the art, fashion and food that will be part of the 7th Annual Urban Ocean Festival starting Saturday of next week. Dr. Jerry Schubel, President of and CEO of Aquarium of the Pacific, presented the details of the upcoming Seventh Annual Urban Ocean Festival with the introduction of some of the artist to exhibit of this year’s event who included: Sculptor Kristina Drake of Long Beach, Painter Gregory Peters of Long Beach and Photographer Sean Pierce of Cypress. All presenters stepped up to the podium to talk about their ideas and how they worked to play a part in this year’s festival.
Photo Gallery and More After The Break
This was followed by a mini version of the Trashin’ Fashion Urban Ocean Eco -fashion show, when both Jaya Girard and Ning Tung Ting (who happens to be the youngest to place in the contestant at 14 years old) both presented their fashion offerings. Both designers previewed their looks at the press conference. You’ll see their impressive designs in the photo gallery of this article: besides, there will be full fashion show next weekend with all participants as part of the weekend’s celebration.
In conclusion to the press conference Kim Thompson discussed sustainable seafood and offered all attendees to a tasty preview of what would be served during the festival’s seafood tastings,with a delicious Rockfish ceviche sampling prepared for us live on the rooftop veranda . This is part of the aqualculture (Fish and Shellfish farming) element of the festival that will be part of the weekend’s programming. Lastly, Kera Mathes elaborated on the special boat program during the festival with The Urban Ocean: World Port and Sea Life Cruise, which will take place during the weekend and continue monthly from May through September via Harbor Breeze Cruises. We were treated to a special preparation and presentation of fresh Rockfish ceviche with passion fruit that proved to be amazing! Our sampling was to demonstrate the upcoming sustainable food tastings to take place next weekend as part of the festivities.
Things to look for and be a part of during the Aquarium of the Pacific’s *Seventh Annual Urban Ocean Festival starting next Saturday and Sunday, April 30th and May 1st, will be the art exhibitions, the Trashin’ Fashion Show, mural painting, poetry readings, booths, live band performances (Ronny & The Classics), educational activities, Urban Ocean Film and the sustainable seafood tastings. The Urban Ocean Poetry boat cruise will also be available during the weekend at an additional cost and Urban Ocean Cruises will occur monthly throughout the summer. You can consult the Aquarium’s website for further details regarding times of screenings of the Urban Ocean Film, events and performances during the festival at http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/urban_ocean_festival/ This all sound like an exceptional exciting opportunity for a fun and enlightening family outing.
*The festival is free to Aquarium members and included with general admission for the public. General admission: $29.95 adult (12+), $26.95 senior (62+), $17.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members. Additional cost for cruises. Poetry Cruise and Urban Ocean Cruises are additional and can be purchased in combination with Aquarium admission or à la carte.
