Art of Trash and Earth Day

Aloha:

Today was

Earth Day

. Everyday should be

Earth Day.

Community Work Day Program

"Facilitating programs that educate, inspire, and empower individuals and communities to beautify and maintain Maui Nui's environement which supports our economy, quality of life and unique Hawaiian culture."

http://www.cwdhawaii.org/

Nuff said.

I cruised by one of my favorite art shows yesterday at the Maui Mall. I could not make it to the opening the night before. The

Art of Trash

is a sweet show where artists use cast off, throw away, re-cycled materials to create unique works of art. It is so creative, so inspiring, even if you don't want a wierd creature sculpture or an amazing huge wooden drum gracing your home. You still have to admire and appreicate the creativity and humour that goes into these pieces. I liked "Our Lady of the Rake" a bit of a spoof on religious art, but thoughtful all the same. The drum was built by Bill Stroud of Haiku, Maui.

We all can do our part in standing for the Earth, if we don't, who will?

With Aloha,

Cherie

The Art of Trash Maui

Aloha,

I just recently stopped in at the annual Art of Trash in Kahului . This wonderful show has been running for several years and it's always a treat.

The creator and founder of the trash shows is Ira Ono, a well known artist from the Big Island of Hawaii. I still have a goddess for the garden that Ira made years ago. He is a colorful and accomplished artist. I just love his drive to use recycled and re-used materials.

The first year of the show, an artist that I knew had created an amazing throne out of all re-cycled materials that she cleaned from the beaches. It was a wild piece of art embellished with old fishing nets.

This year featured an art display by our school children, and a super fashion show and music played with instruments made from recycled materials. Coffee filters, tattered tarps, garbage bags and all sorts of re-used materials made for some flashy fashions.

When I had my furniture store many years ago, I often sold furniture made from re-claimed wood. One of my biggest, and most expensive, lines came from the old railroad ties from Africa. The wood was so dense, it was heavy and felt like stone. I also had often featured a furniture builder who used the pallets from the docks to make great out- door furniture. It was funky and looked great in the yard.

Rethink your trash, it could be fun!

Here's to being creative and saving our land fills.

Much Aloha,
Cherie