Artist Bio:
My name is William “Mikey” Lanway, and I’ve been a Florida native since 2003, raised on the beaches of both coasts but forever rooted in South Florida. Key Biscayne, from Crandon Park to Bill Baggs, holds a special place in my heart—the wildlife, shady palms, winding trails, and the view from the lighthouse constantly inspire me. I spend my days surfing up north, skating when the waves are flat, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Bay. As an artist and
environmentalist, I feel a deep responsibility to protect these spaces, always picking up litter and encouraging others to care for our coast. The rhythm of the ocean, the sun, and the community here shape my life and creative work—South Florida will always be my home.
My name is William “Mikey” Lanway, and I’ve been a Florida native since 2003, raised on the beaches of both coasts but forever rooted in South Florida. Key Biscayne, from Crandon Park to Bill Baggs, holds a special place in my heart—the wildlife, shady palms, winding trails, and the view from the lighthouse constantly inspire me. I spend my days surfing up north, skating when the waves are flat, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Bay. As an artist and
environmentalist, I feel a deep responsibility to protect these spaces, always picking up litter and encouraging others to care for our coast. The rhythm of the ocean, the sun, and the community here shape my life and creative work—South Florida will always be my home.
Artist Statement:This stencil design features an octopus holding litter, surrounded by the phrase “Your Trash, Our Problem – Drain Leads to Ocean,” created to raise awareness about storm drain pollution and its direct impact on our marine ecosystems in Biscayne Bay. After researching native South Florida species, I chose the octopus not only because it’s my favorite creature to spot while snorkeling but also for its intelligence, beauty, and gentle nature. Known for their problem-solving abilities, the octopus in my artwork symbolically takes on the role of cleaning up human waste—something we should all be doing ourselves. The phrase “Your Trash, Our Problem” is a deliberate call to collective responsibility, reminding viewers that pollution isn’t just someone else’s issue—it affects all of us, especially the marine life we share our waters with.
