Special Cloak Created for Waste to Art Exhibition

A screen-printed cloak made from recycled denim created by a group of at-risk teenagers will be a highlight of the Waste to Art Exhibition that opens at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough tomorrow night (Friday 11 November 2022).

This is the second year that participants from ‘The Maryborough Creative Industries, Social Enterprise and Restoration and Repair Program’ have exhibited pieces in the competition.

Over 10 weeks, the 13 youths studied screen printing, painting and restoration techniques, along with literacy and numeracy skills, with support coming from a diverse range of individuals and organisations (more details below).

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor David Lewis said the Waste to Art competition challenged our perceptions of waste.

“Many items that end up in landfill can be turned into art, upcycled, reused or repurposed such as the furniture made last year by the TRSC participants from shipping pallets,” he said.

“The competition helps us challenge our perception of waste and encourages people to find new ways to use cast offs.

“It also challenges people to look more closely at what they are throwing away to see if it can be reused, repurposed or upcycled rather than ending up in landfill.”

More than 150 pieces ranging from a motorcycle made from reclaimed objects to a multipurpose camera obscura/lucida wheeled machine using an old pram, found materials, and a magnifying glass will be on display in the Waste to Art exhibition from 11 November 2022 to 8 January 2023.

Cr Lewis thanked the sponsors who helped Council stage the competition: Cleanaway, Hyne Timber, Reuse & Recycle Group and NuGrow.

“These companies have an interest in recycling, upcycling and repurposing materials which otherwise would be considered waste,” he said.