Building Justice: Behind the Scenes of the OTJAG Exhibit

The Office of The Judge Advocate General (OTJAG) has a long and proud history—one that spans from the founding of the United States to modern deployments around the world. When we were selected through a competitive bid to design an exhibit for their hallway at the Pentagon, we knew it was going to be special.

This wasn’t just a job to hang some panels. OTJAG wanted something immersive. Something that didn’t just show old photos—but told a story. They wanted to educate visitors about the past and the present, highlight their insignia, and bring attention to what modern JAG officers do today. And they wanted it to feel alive.

We were all in.

Making History Feel Real

At the heart of the exhibit is a massive timeline wall—OTJAG’s pride and joy. It walks visitors through over two centuries of military legal milestones, from 1775 to today. It’s packed with powerful images: everything from hand-written legal orders to photos of Judge Advocates supporting humanitarian missions and courtrooms in war zones.

The timeline isn't just a visual—it's emotional. It reminds you how closely JAG has moved with the rhythm of American military history. We took special care to include every version of their insignia throughout the years—a detail that was really meaningful to them.

But the exhibit doesn’t stop at looking back. It also looks forward, showing the evolution of JAG’s mission in modern-day conflicts, legal reforms after 9/11, and the role Judge Advocates play in advising commanders and upholding ethics in the most complex situations imaginable.

Our Favorite Part: The Courtroom Build

Of all the pieces in this project, the one we’re most proud of is the courtroom scene—a detailed miniature of the Sgt. Maj. Cornell W. Gilmore Memorial Courthouse.

This thing was no small feat.

Because of the tight size constraints in the hallway, we had to design the entire structure like a mini-building. The main body is made from aluminum in three sections, then covered in fire-retardant sculpting foam and painted to match the real facade. We obsessed over every detail: the war-damaged columns, the distinct doorway, and even the signage above the entrance—which we replicated in Arabic, just like the real courthouse.

The scale might be small, but the presence is big. It’s the kind of piece that makes people stop in their tracks.

More Than Just Panels

Beyond the timeline and the diorama, we filled the space with carefully researched exhibit panels, original imagery, and display cases with key artifacts. Every piece was measured, planned, and placed to create a rhythm in the hallway—a sense of flow that would guide someone naturally from one story to the next.

We weren’t just building a visual display. We were helping tell the story of a profession that often works behind the scenes—quietly upholding justice wherever the military operates.

Final Thoughts

The OTJAG exhibit is a reminder that legal service in the military isn’t just about rules and regulations. It’s about people—past and present—who’ve stood up for fairness, discipline, and dignity in some of the most complex and challenging environments on earth.

We're honored that we got to help bring their story to life.

Sea Turtle Nesting Diorama and Jellyfish Jars

Embarking on a mission to meld art and marine conservation, Atomic Carrots recently unveiled its latest masterpiece at the Frost Science Museum in Miami, Florida—a captivating diorama featuring turtles emerging from their eggs. The details of this creation breathe life into the Marine Gallery, offering visitors an immersive experience that goes beyond aesthetics.

At the heart of this project is our strictly process, ensuring the realism and educational impact of the exhibit. The turtles, skillfully crafted using 3D printing technology, undergo a unique transformation. Submerged in warm water, the plastic softens, allowing us to reposition each turtle. Hand-painted to perfection, the result is a visually stunning representation that transports viewers to the awe-inspiring moment of turtle hatching.

But the intricacy doesn't end there. The diorama's box houses two jars—one containing a plastic bag and the other, sadly, a deceased jellyfish. This intentional similarity serves a vital purpose in highlighting a critical environmental issue. Turtles, unable to discern between plastics and their natural prey, may ingest harmful materials, endangering their digestive systems. It's a sobering commentary on the impact of marine debris, a topic close to our hearts at Atomic Carrots.

The Sea Turtle Nesting Diorama and Jellyfish Jars project stands as a testament to the power of creativity to shape minds and evoke a sense of wonder. As our work takes its place within the Frost Science Museum, we celebrate not only the artistry involved but the potential to leave an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of those who walk through the gallery doors. It's a reminder that art, in its various forms, has the capacity to transcend boundaries and connect us to the beauty and importance of the natural world.

This isn't the first time we've delved into marine conservation through art. Collaborations with Padre Island National Seashore and Biscayne National Park have allowed us to address the issue of marine debris from various angles, raising awareness and inspiring change.

The Sea Turtle Diorama isn't just a static exhibit; it's a call to action. It urges visitors to contemplate the consequences of plastic pollution on marine life and consider their role in safeguarding our oceans. Atomic Carrots remains committed to using creativity as a powerful tool for education and conservation, hoping that our art not only captivates but also sparks a collective responsibility for the well-being of our planet's delicate ecosystems.

We are thrilled to announce the completion of our latest project – a permanent exhibit on marine debris, housed within the stunning national seashore, Padre Island Malaquite Visitor Center. This exhibit combines education, interaction, and artistic vision to shed light on the critical issue of marine pollution and its impact on our oceans.

• The Concept:

The centerpiece of our exhibit is a large-sized Plinko Game, designed to engage visitors of all ages. But this isn't your ordinary Plinko Game – it's a visually captivating experience, featuring hand-illustrated backgrounds and chips representing the most commonly found marine debris items washed up on the park’s shores.

• Interactive Learning:

Visitors will have the opportunity to drop these chips into the Plinko Game and watch as they cascade down, ultimately landing in an origin bin. As the chips fall, they'll witness the effects of marine debris firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of its impact on marine life and ecosystems.

• Artistry Meets Education:

One of the unique aspects of our exhibit is its illustrative look, which strikes a balance between whimsical and biologically accurate. Every detail, from the background of the Plinko Game to the design of the chips, has been meticulously crafted to provide an immersive and educational experience.

• Traveling Exhibit:

But our commitment to marine conservation doesn't stop there. In addition to the permanent exhibit at Padre Island, we also created a portable version for traveling purposes. This tabletop version two pop-up banners, allowing us to bring the message of ocean conservation to communities far and wide.

• Conclusion:

With our work at  Padre Island National Seashore, we aim to inspire action and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans. Together, let's work towards a future where marine debris is a thing of the past, and our oceans thrive once more.

Join us on this journey as we unveil the wonders of the ocean and empower visitors to make a positive impact on the world around them.