18th Annual Art of Trash Seeks Maui Entrants

Art of Trash. File photo (2017) courtesy Mālama Maui Nui

The 18th annual Art of Trash exhibition presented by Mālama Maui Nui opens on Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Maui Mall in Kahului.

This year’s theme of Recycle, Reinvent, Repurpose encourages artists and designers to think about trash in a non-traditional sense and use it as raw material for creative inspiration instead of simply being thrown away.

Center stage will feature a Trashion Show, music by Samba Maui and live music by Sargenti’s Junkyard Dogs, utilizing instruments made of re-purposed trash.

“We have seen some incredible designs made out of transformed trash such as old VHS tapes into a gogo dancer skirt or used Maui Brewing Company grain bags into a corset-style dress. What this year will bring no one knows, you’ll just have to come to the event to find out,” event organizers said.

“Often it is difficult to tell that a replica World War II battleship has been made out of old computer parts, or a tropical fish is made out of old bottle caps, or an old piece of tin roof from historic Wailuku was used in lieu of canvas for a town map,” organizers said in an event announcement.

Residents of Maui County are invited to participate as an artist for the Art of Trash Gallery or as a designer for the Trashion Show. All artwork must follow certain criteria stated in the entry form and is selected for the show by long-time juror Judy Bruder.

As part of her selection process Bruder said, “I am interested in the work and workmanship that Maui artists do by transforming materials and discarded objects into thoughtful art pieces while they consider the fragile environment.”

Those wishing to participate in this year’s event will need to complete an online entry form.

All art will need to be submitted in-person on Saturday March 28, 2020 and requires a $15 fee per piece. Artists are encouraged to submit several pieces for consideration. All Trashion show pieces must be submitted via the online form and be accompanied by a photograph of the design by March 28 in order to be considered to walk the runway.

For more information regarding the Art of Trash 2020 call (808) 877-2524, Tuesday through Saturday.