Rafael Tufiño Printmaking Workshop & Siete Quillas collaboration
Siete Quillas – San Juan Sea Turtle Conservancy is a community-based nonprofit organization certified under Section 1101.01(a) for local tax exemption and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Authorized by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) since 2014, 7Quillas is deputized to manage endangered sea turtle nesting and habitat restoration on all beaches of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Despite threats such as light pollution, human activity, contamination, and climate change impacts, 7Quillas continues to protect leatherback nests and safely release hatchlings each year. Since 2015, the organization has protected over 210 leatherback nests and saved more than 3,100 hatchlings. Through conservation, education, and community outreach, 7Quillas works to protect endangered species, restore coastal habitats, and strengthen Puerto Rico’s coastal communities.
Hilda Benítez Álvarez, founder and Executive Director of 7 Quillas (San Juan Sea Turtle Conservancy Group), gave a presentation at the Rafael Tufiño Printmaking Workshop. Each year, mother leatherback turtles lay and conceal their eggs in the sands of San Juan, Puerto Rico. When the eggs hatch, the hatchlings instinctively make their way toward the ocean to begin their journey of survival. The 7 Quillas volunteer team protects and guides the baby sea turtles to ensure they safely reach the sea.
Raising awareness
Nitza Tufiño and the workshop collective collaborated to help raise awareness for leatherback sea turtles. Under Nitza’s direction, each artist created a 18 x 24 inch image using printmaking techniques, printed on cloth. The works take the form of flags designed to alert the public that newborn turtles are making their journey to the ocean.
– Oliver Rios
