Back to The Octopolis Project

Octopolis begins with a big vision: building a 20-foot octopus from salvaged, found, and donated materials. Reclaimed metal and fabric are given new purpose through art, creativity, and community collaboration.

In Northern California, fabricators construct the giant steel framework that forms the body, head, and arms of the installation. 

In Central Illinois, volunteers, artists, and community members create the octopus's textured skin using hundreds of patchwork fabric pieces sewn together into massive panels. 

The patchwork skin and steel structure are created over 2,000 miles apart, then brought together to become a single monumental work of art. 

In August, Octopolis will be fully assembled at Burning Man in Nevada, where it will rise from the desert as an immersive, larger-than-life experience. 

More than 50,000 people are expected to interact with Octopolis, exploring its interior spaces while learning about octopus intelligence, marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and ocean conservation. 

After Burning Man, Octopolis will be carefully disassembled and transported to Santa Fe Railyard Park, where it will continue serving as a public art installation and educational experience.  When its time as a land-based installation is complete, its story will continue.  

 The patchwork fabric skin, carrying the fingerprints of thousands of makers and participants, will be removed and repurposed into future artistic creations. The remaining structure will then continue to its final destination > the ocean. 

Octopolis will be deployed into the ocean as part of a coral reef restoration effort, transforming from a public artwork into a habitat that supports marine life and helps foster the growth of new reef ecosystems.

At its heart, Octopolis tells the story of a mother octopus trying to bring life back to a dying reef. She becomes a symbol of resilience, renewal, and the power of community action. 

What begins as discarded materials becomes public art, environmental education, and ultimately a living reef habitat. Cumulatively, Octopolis demonstrates how creativity, sustainability, collaboration, and a LOT of heart can help create a better future.