Thanks to a grant and some fundraising, we’re off to the best start ever for the International Plastic Quilt Project In-Schools 2012. We have three artists leading the way in three locations in Northeast, North and Southeast Portland. Vicky DeKrey started in January, Bridget Benton starts later this month and Tim Combs began this week—using their talents as reuse artists and educators to provide a cohesive experience for students in both elementary and high schools.
A few weeks ago we held our first volunteer training for parent volunteers and teachers who are bringing the project to their schools. Thanks to these volunteers we are spreading our reach to at least four more Portland area sites, reaching nearly 200 students in our messaging about plastic pollution and linking it to much needed arts experiences in schools. Each schools adapts our resources to their particular needs, exhibits art at an Earth Day exhibit at their school and contributes the same work to our combined public exhibit to the Gallery at Port City Development on May 4, 2012.
Why plastic when there are so many other issues? It’s tangible. It’s a problem we can see and something we can do so many different kinds of creative and fun things to fix. The production of so much plastic also contributes to climate change (nearly 8% of total emissions come from manufacturing plastic, not to mention collection and recycling).
Sound like good fun with a great many possibilities? Want to bring the project to your school? Email cheryl[at]createplenty.org to schedule an orientation! We’ll get you started.
We will soon be publishing photos and anecdotes from our artists and volunteers right here at this blog. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, some sample artwork from our artists-in-residence. Enjoy!
Plastic Lid Lamp Art by Bridget Benton
Quilted art by Vicky DeKrey
"Circle Meets the Square" by Tim Combs
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