Annual ‘Art of Trash’ Exhibit Arrives This Month

By Madeline Ziecker

A 2010 Art of Trash dress made from old upholster fabric and magazine cuttings, hand-sown. Courtesy image.

Community Work Day Program and Sharing Aloha present a creative but utilitarian art exhibit and fashion show at 6 p.m. on April 20 the Maui Mall – “The Art of Trash” 2012.

The annual Art of Trash exhibits pieces made by Maui artists that are entirely constructed of re-used and recycled  materials. Almost anything discarded can be used to create artful fashion pieces, sculptures, and other works, as long as they don’t include food or any natural “trash” like driftwood or dried leaves.

The exhibit is designed to raise awareness and inspire action to keep recyclable items out of the ever-growing Maui landfill.

Art of Trash 2010 sculpture made from old electronics. Courtesy image.

“We try to fill the need wherever the need exists,” says Community Work Day Program’s  executive director Rhiannon Chandler.

“What we need now is to get a handle on recycling in our community. The Art of Trash really gets people thinking of how we can impact our environment.”

In past years, The Art of Trash has featured innovative works like a ball gown made from VHS tape, a table made from motorcycle parts, and a sculpture made out of rope.

A broken surf board becomes a chair at Art of Trash. Courtesy image.

One of the best parts of the exhibit is that anyone can enter. Each year, artists travel from Maui outskirts like Hana and west Maui  just to participate in the unique event.

Artists who wish to enter this year can bring their pieces to the Maui Mall on Saturday, April 14 from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The entry fee is $10 per piece.

Art of Trash entry forms are free and available at all Maui public libraries as well as via email by contacting [email protected]. For more information regarding the exhibit, call Wilma Nakamura at 573-3911.