Beatriz Chachamovits
Modeling the reef
ongoing
Modeling the Reef is a two-part ceramics workshop designed to inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning. Developed over five years, this program has engaged over 1,000 students across Miami-Dade and Broward, blending scientific exploration with artistic practice.
The workshop begins with an interactive lesson on corals—what they are, why they matter, and the challenges they face. Participants get a rare hands-on experience with a collection of wet and dry marine specimens, deepening their understanding of these fragile ecosystems.
Following the lesson, participants transition into the sculpting portion, using air-dry clay to model corals and marine organisms. Through this process, they develop a personal connection to marine life, translating knowledge into creative expression.
This workshop has been hosted in collaboration with the Miami-Dade Public Library System, private and public school programs, and institutions such as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, MOCA NOMI, the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Nature Center. Additionally, Modeling the Reef has been presented at luxury hotels such as Faena, One Hotel, and St. Regis Longboat Key, expanding its reach to new audiences interested in sustainability and marine conservation. Each session is adapted for different age groups and learning environments, making marine conservation accessible to all.
Modeling the Reef is more than a workshop—it’s an immersive experience that bridges science, art, and environmental action, empowering participants to become advocates for the ocean.
For more information on the workshop or how to host it, please contact beatrizchachamovits@gmail.com
Published by Companhia das Letrinhas in 2018, The Little Manual of Marine Fishes and Other Aquatic Marvels is an engaging and informative book about the ocean and its most well-known inhabitants: fish.
With intricate illustrations by visual artist Beatriz Chachamovits, this book invites readers to explore the fascinating world beneath the waves, encountering extraordinary sea creatures and embarking on a treasure hunt through the ocean depths.
The deep sea is home to an astonishing variety of fish—some so peculiar they seem almost unreal. This book showcases fourteen of these remarkable species, pairing insightful descriptions with meticulously detailed illustrations that bring them to life.
Beyond discovering these creatures, readers are encouraged to search for hidden marine beings concealed within the artwork. They must also sharpen their observation skills to uncover the impostor—a fictional fish that does not exist in the real ocean.
In the final pages, readers take an active role in the book’s creation, drawing a fish that has been described and writing about one that has already been illustrated.
The Little Manual of Marine Fishes and Other Aquatic Marvels has been widely recognized as a valuable educational tool across Brazil, receiving awards for its contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Life Below Water. It has been used in schools throughout the country to educate students about marine ecosystems and is included in reading lists as a recommended book for young learners. The book was also featured at Flip, one of Brazil’s most prestigious literary festivals, further cementing its importance in environmental education and literature.
More than just a guide, this immersive manual offers an unforgettable journey into the mysteries of the ocean and its extraordinary inhabitants, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for marine life.
