Magnificent Maerl: Teen Workshop (13-18yrs) - The Barn

Get to know and be creatively inspired by maerl, an extraordinary tiny pink, coral like seaweed that forms vital habitats for hundreds of marine organisms. Through film, understand the nature of maerl, its structure, colour and how it forms maerl beds.

Young people will closely study maerl samples and translate their shapes into freestanding sculptures. Using theatre set design techniques, a painted seabed backdrop will be created by folding, slotting and joining recycled materials. Standing amongst marine organisms, participants will make a pop-up image of themselves immersed in the maerl seabed scene to “stand beside” this unique and endangered species.

*If you have any thin cardboard (ex: cereal boxes) please bring these along.

Julia Barton is a visual artist based in the North-West Highlands, making sculptures, installation artworks and events that connect audiences to our environment. She is inspired by coastal ecology, passionate about seaweed and working sustainably as possible. She is standing beside a tiny coral-like seaweed ‘maerl’ in“The ARK – We Stand Beside”exhibition at the Barn from 26 March – 19 April 2026.