PHOTOS: Art of Trash Exhibit 2012 Opening Night

By Madeline Ziecker

Some of the Art of Trash's "Trashion Show" designers/models show off their creations. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Friday, April 20 was the opening night of this year’s “Art of Trash” Maui exhibit, presented at the Maui Mall by Community Work Day Program and Sharing Aloha.

In Art of Trash, Maui artists enter artwork that is entirely constructed from re-used and recyclable materials. Several pieces are selected for the exhibit, but only a few artists are honored with awards for the most extraordinary works.

The event began at 6 p.m. with the annual “Trashion Show,” a catwalk featuring eco-friendly fashion designs from artists in the Maui community and King Kekaulike High School students.

Heig Beck, the second place winner in this year’s Art of Trash contest said, “This is was one of the best and most creative fashion shows I’ve seen. It gets better each year.” She has participated in Art of Trash since its conception.

“It’s truly a lot of work each year, but it’s always worth it,” Beck added.

"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" by Shaka Doug Corbin. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Art of Trash coordinator Wilma Nakamura nurtured her inner sweet- tooth and created her own simple, classy cocktail dress that she crafted from See’s Candies bags.

“I bought $25 worth of chocolate to make this dress,” admitted Nakamura.

Community Work Day Program‘s Executive Director Rhiannon Chandler was spotted, dressed from head to toe in re-used materials. Everything from her delicate jewelry to her long gown was tastefully designed from paper bags and other recyclables that most people wouldn’t think twice about throwing away.

Art of Trash 2012 at Maui Mall. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

“I’m a little concerned about the security of the outfit,” Chandler joked. “I  have to move with caution, but it’s actually really comfortable.”

Mana’o Radio‘s Kathy Collins’ engaging voice on the mic, the creative fashion show, and an awards ceremony recognizing the artists who created the winning pieces entertained a large audience while they waited to enter the Art of Trash gallery at 7 p.m.

Once the doors to the gallery opened, the exhibit remained packed until after 8 p.m. as visitors snacked on complimentary  pupus from Whole Foods Market and marveled at the impressive creations from Maui’s underground artists.

Most of the exhibit’s artists listed prices on their work for avid art collectors who liked some pieces enough to take them home.

For those who didn’t make the opening night, the Art of Trash  will run at the Maui Mall until May 13.

See MORE PHOTOS of some of the best pieces from the Art of Trash Maui exhibit with their descriptions below and on page 2. 

First place winner: "Hana Hou" by Zane Mathias. An old door and some tennis balls become the ultimate lounge chair. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD Second Place Winner: "Our Lady of the Rake" by Heig Beck. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.
Third place winner: "Oops, My Plants are Falling Down and My Growing Hurts" by Tim Gunter. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Art of Trash coordinator Wilma Nakamura next to Juror's Choice-award-winning "Sublime Pie" by Bob Flint. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.
Community Work Day Program's executive director Rhiannon Chandler in her recycled evening gown. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	"Silver Snake" by Alicia Ballesteros. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.