Recently, I had the opportunity to meet and visit the studio of a fabulous artist relatively new to Cape Ann, but whose inspiration and interests align perfectly with our love of the sea, the water, and art! The overall name for this project is the TideKeepers. Below is my interview with the founder and artist Elisa Vanelli.
What is The TideKeepers Project and what is your role?
The TideKeepers Project is a public art initiative created to reconnect people with the ocean, the tides, and the natural rhythms of the coastline through permanent tide interactive sculptures installed throughout Cape Ann. Each sculpture is envisioned as a unique guardian of its location, designed to interact directly with the movement of the tide and the surrounding environment.
I am the founder of The TideKeepers Foundation and the artist behind the project. My role includes designing and sculpting the artworks, leading the creative vision, coordinating fundraising efforts, working with engineers, foundries, and town officials, and helping guide the project from concept to permanent installation. Along the way, I have also had the privilege of connecting with many people in the community who have helped support and shape the project through their encouragement, partnerships, and shared belief in the vision.
What is the inspiration behind the project and the statue? Does anything like this exist elsewhere?
The inspiration for Atlantis came from a dream. In the vision, I saw a mermaid revealed by the receding tide and partially
covered again by the rising water, almost as if the ocean itself was breathing life into the sculpture. That vision naturally led me to the larger idea behind The TideKeepers Project: that each coastal town deserves its own guardian connected to the sea, its stories, and its identity.
I wanted to celebrate the mythology, wonder, and deep connection that coastal communities have always shared with the ocean. So much of the magic, history, and mystery tied to the sea has faded over time, and this project is about bringing some of that sense of wonder back through public art and interaction with the tides themselves.
Atlantis is designed to only be fully revealed at low tide and become partially covered again at high tide, creating a constantly changing relationship between the artwork, the ocean, and the viewer. The sculpture becomes part of the rhythm of the harbor itself.
The larger vision behind The TideKeepers Project is to create a trail of unique tide interactive sculptures throughout Cape Ann, each connected to the identity and environment of its location.
There are a few tide responsive public artworks in the world, including sculptures along the River Thames in London that interact with the changing tide. What makes The TideKeepers Project unique is the larger vision behind it: creating living coastal guardians that interact with nature, storytelling, community identity, and the changing rhythm of the ocean. Atlantis is envisioned as the first sculpture in a larger series that transforms the coastline into an experiential public art trail unlike anything else.
What is the current state of the sculpture in the artistic process?
Atlantis is currently in the bronze casting process. The original clay sculpture has already gone through the molding stage, and we are now moving through the wax and casting phases at the foundry.
The sculpture itself has been fully sculpted, and half of the bronze process has already been secured thanks to community fundraising and support.
At the same time, we are continuing to work through the engineering and permitting process so Atlantis can safely and responsibly become a permanent part of the waterfront.
What are the key next steps for Atlantis to come to life?
The next major steps include completing the bronze casting process and final engineering and structural planning connected to the harbor installation.
We are coordinating with engineers, the Town of Manchester by the Sea, and local partners to help bring Atlantis from vision to permanent installation.
How can people get involved and what kind of help is needed?
People can support the project in many different ways, and community involvement has already been a huge part of bringing Atlantis this far.
Right now, the project especially benefits from:
• Donations toward bronze casting, engineering, and installation costs
• Introductions to sponsors, donors, and coastal organizations
• Media and press support to help spread awareness
• Community advocates who believe in public art, environmental connection, and cultural tourism
• Partnerships with local businesses and organizations
• Volunteers who want to dedicate their time, energy, and skills to helping The TideKeepers Project grow and become a reality
To find out more and get involved, please contact Elisa here.
