DRIFT Art Showcase Winners Announced
The DRIFT: Origami Art Showcase has officially concluded, revealing an inspiring range of creativity, imagination, and community connection centered on Bermuda’s oceanic cultural heritage.
A spokesperson said, “The showcase received highly inventive submissions from participants of all ages, with artworks created using a wide variety of materials and techniques. Entries ranged from reused Sudoku paper and unexpected mediums such as Jello, highlighting both artistic innovation and thoughtful reuse.”
“We were genuinely amazed by the creativity,” said organiser Noelle Young. “People pushed the boundaries of what origami art could be, while also reflecting deeply on their personal relationships with the ocean. It was wonderful to see how many different ways the same theme could be interpreted.”
Notable Category Winners
- Marilyn Stines Sannemalm winner of Mini Masterpiece – Smallest, most detailed paper boat, 3 inches or less
- Adlae Davey winner of Spirit– Heartfelt connection between art and letter to the ocean
- Under The Sea – Marine life and/or underwater landscapes
- Marilyn Stines Sannemalm winner of Fleet- Volume and effort combined.
- Anne Hyde winner of the Cultural Pride – Representations of Bermuda’s cultural heritage or island identity
- Isabelle and Bailey June Millette winners of H2O – Incorporating the use of liquid water
- Warwick Academy Sargasso Sea Ocean Sanctuary Club winners of Sea Symphony– A collaborative group submission of multiple complimentary pieces made by different individuals
- Adonis Young winner of the Recycled Wonder category – Made from reused/recycled paper materials and decorated with upcycled materials.
- Daeori Johnston winner of Mini Mariners – Creations by children
Nine-year-old Adlae Davey, winner of the Spirit Award for Best Letter to the Ocean, shared how he approached his piece: “I had to think about what was in the ocean and what I can see, hear, feel and smell. Then I asked my twin friends, Daylen and Jaylen Heaven, to help me with the design. I didn’t want my message on the boat, I wanted it on the front so everyone could read and think about why I didn’t put it on the boat.”
When asked what he hoped others would take away from his work and letter, Davey added: “I hope that people won’t put litter in the ocean. We should treat the ocean as our friend and not our enemy.”
The spokesperson said, “Adlae received a gift certificate to be used towards camp or classes provided by KANS [Kreative Art and Nature for Smallies] with Ms Kelly.”
Marilyn Stines Sannemalm, winner of both the Fleet and Mini Masterpiece categories, reflected on her experience as a senior participant: “First, let me say that it was exciting to ‘play’ and be recognized for it! Although I have two books on origami, neither of them had boats! I had to use ‘Google’. I have always enjoyed handicraft of all sorts, so when given a reason to create, it just adds to the fervor.”
She also highlighted the broader value of the initiative: “I was pleased that Noelle instigated this contest to raise awareness of the health of our ocean, and more so to bring the community together in the form of art, where all ages were invited to join. I feel it would be helpful if more institutions and businesses promoted themselves through community involvement – it offers such a good feeling.”
The spokesperson said, “Marilyn received a gift certificate to Siam Spa in recognition of her winning entries.”
“The DRIFT: Origami Art Showcase was designed not only as an art exhibition, but as a platform for intergenerational expression, environmental reflection, and cultural heritage advocacy,” said Nzingha Ming, Gallery Director of the Bermuda Society of Arts. “The exhibition was hosted at the Bermuda Society of Arts, reinforcing the role of creative spaces in fostering dialogue around cultural heritage preservation and ocean stewardship.”
“The Bermuda Society of Arts was proud to partner with Greenpeace and Noelle Young for the exhibition,” Ming added. “Our shared mission was to transform the Edinburgh Gallery into a display for the community’s origami boats. The exhibition was intimate, but the impact was significant. From local students to seniors, the breadth of participation brought a beautiful awareness to our island’s unique relationship with the sea.”
“We extend a huge thank you to Greenpeace and Noelle Young for their vision and for bringing this initiative to our doors,” she continued. “BSoA is honoured to have provided the platform for these creative voices to speak up for ocean preservation, and we are grateful to everyone who folded a boat and shared their story.”
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