createplenty.org

We’ve begun!

Cre8plenty — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:52:51 +0000

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

Some Very Lucky Plastic Finds Life in Art Fundraiser!

Cre8plenty — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:18:18 +0000

It may have been a typical misty Portland evening but the atmosphere inside the 100^th Monkey Studio for the Square Affair fundraiser was warm and cozy. I made my trek up from San Francisco because I just knew I had to see these pieces in person. I was thoroughly amazed by how creative these artists were with plastic. It was fun watching people approach Suzy Root’s piece wondering if that was polished stones inside each compartment; only to take a second closer look when I informed them that it was in fact, beach plastic.

The best part for me was schmoozing with the artists and learning the stories behind their craft. For instance, Dani Dennenberg collected many of her materials from a river cleanup and then sat and stared at her trash pile for hours before she finally got the inspiration to turn her lids into turtles. I was drawn to the ironic title of Alea Bone’s Poly Styrene who fashioned an image of what I thought was a screaming women, only to learn from Alea that Poly Styrene was the name of an actual punk rock star from the band X-Ray Spex. Finally it was great to be able to look up close to the pieces from Mexico which students of artist Sergio Pech Cetz had made. Their technique of sewing plastic behind cut out canvas was amazing. The “Nemo” or clownfish captured the innocence of all the marine animals affected by the plastic pollution their land loving humans have imposed on their habitat.

"552", artist Suzy Root

Not close to Portland? You can visit our online art gallery to see all the pieces in the exhibit. I am certain you will pause as you attempt to piece together the discarded trash that comprises each one. And if so moved, please purchase one which you can share with others in your home or office. All proceeds support Create Plenty’s International Plastic Quilt Project expansion into school classrooms.

Amy Chovnick, Education Outreach board member of Create Plenty, lives in San Leandro, California.

Create Plenty “Bingo” @ RACC’s Artspark!

Cre8plenty — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:56:09 +0000

November 17 , 5-7 PM
Regional Arts & Culture Council Artspark Networking Event, Vie de Boheme, 1530 SE 7th Ave. (7th & Clay), Portland, OR 97214 [map]
As an organization being featured by the Regional Arts and Culture Council’s ARTSPARK series, we’ve co-planned an interactive networking event for you to connect with creative folks in the art, eco-scenes and beyond! Bring your friends for some drinks, schmoozing and live jazz music.

We even created a Create Plenty version of BINGO especially for this evening. Come get your card and learn new ideas on ways to reduce plastic pollution. We also have some very fun raffle prizes: home cleaning kits, home facial kits, and t-shirt bags (made from t-shirts). See you soon!