Centered around Earth Day each year, Maui’s Art of Trash gallery exhibit showcases artwork made entirely from items that might otherwise be discarded. This innovative exhibition features some of the island’s most inventive artists working in a variety of mediums and continually finding new ways to transform trash into treasure.
The Opening Night celebration is always a fun event. This year, the Maui Mall came to life once again with music, dance, and a parade of outrageous trash art fashions. First, Robert Sargenti’s Junk Yard Band took the stage. A talented assemblage of local musicians rocked the crowd, playing instruments made by Sargenti out of repurposed materials.
Next was Ryan Anderson’s Marenje Maui drumming group, a vibrant ensemble of percussionists. They weaved their way around the center stage area in an energetic performance that had the audience smiling.
Master of Ceremonies Kristi Scott kept the excitement going as she introduced the evening’s trash fashion extravaganza. Scott’s colorful gown and fascinator (headpiece) designed by Jett Robidoux were made from a repurposed tarp and plastic bottles.
Students and community members participated in the Trashion Show, walking the runway in fabulous outfits made from recycled items.
Prizes were awarded to the artists and designers, then it was on to the gallery opening…
So many pieces stood out this year for their clever concepts and creative use of materials. Chris Mithen’s “Best Day Ever” brought a charming whimsy to the show, giving new life to an old stuffed animal and car door.
With hammered bottle caps as scales and aluminum cans cut to shape as fins, Megan Kashinski’s “Thirsty Fish” was an eye-catching reminder of how discarded rubbish and recyclables find their way into our oceans.
Timothy Gunter’s “Steroid Scooter” was an impressive life-size replica made of welded metal pipes and assorted items. Gunter won 3rd place in the juried show.
This functioning lamp called “Seattilite” was created by Angie Turner from repurposed metal and glass objects. It looked like a UFO with its mysterious light illuminating through the top.
Roxanne Braddix transformed a child’s toy into a mythical creature with her “Sea Horse” sculpture.
Diana Drake carved a nature scene into an old book, using her distinct artistic style to deliver the message in this piece, “Pray for the Earth.”
Robert Sargenti creates wonderfully unique instruments from unconventional materials. His “Vinyl Grooves” electric guitar made from stacked record albums was featured in the opening night band performance.
“Tommy” by Murphy was a human-size robot that actually moved in response to the viewer’s voice. This fantastic showstopper was the 1st place winner of Art of Trash 2016.
Art of Trash is sponsored by the environmental non-profit organizations SharingAloha and Mālama Maui Nui. To find out more about the annual exhibit and see images from previous years’ shows, visit Art of Trash on Facebook.
Mahalo to Zane Mathias for all of the photos published in this article.