Afloat is an ongoing series of sculptures by local artist Valerie Arntzen. Each sculpture incorporates West Coast old-growth cedar fishing floats, once used extensively in the fishing industry and commonly referred to as cedar corks. Most were made by Thomas Goulding on Sea Island until they were replaced in the mid-1950s. Today, most fishing floats are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) and other high-density foams.

Arntzen advocates for sustainability by recycling, salvaging, and reusing objects in her practice. Each form tells a story through its patina, wear, texture, and material. As the makers of many traditional trades have been lost, Afloat celebrates their history, labour, and artistry, creating space to consider what is lost when we discard these lovingly crafted handmade objects.