News Summary
The Philadelphia Dumpster Divers, an innovative group founded in 1992, commemorate 33 years of transformative artistry focusing on upcycled materials. With around 40 members, they engage the community in creative recycling initiatives while showcasing their art in exhibitions. Their current display, ‘Made and Remade,’ highlights the beauty of discarded items and encourages sustainable practices. The group works relentlessly to inspire public awareness of waste management through artistic expression, contributing significantly to Philadelphia’s cultural landscape.
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Dumpster Divers are celebrating 33 years of fostering creativity through upcycled artistry and community engagement. Founded in 1992, this eclectic group focuses on transforming discarded items into works of art while raising awareness about waste and sustainable practices.
Group Growth and Activities
Initially named “Dumpster Diners,” the group began with approximately six participants who met in a diner. Co-founders Lenny Davidson and Neil Benson have guided the group’s evolution over three decades. Today, the Philadelphia Dumpster Divers comprise about 40 members who monthly gather to share food, fellowship, and a variety of found objects.
During gatherings, members are encouraged to bring boxes filled with items they have salvaged, allowing others to select materials that inspire them. The age of the newest member is just eight years old, and access to the group is based on invitation only. This exclusivity fosters a close-knit community among artists who value individuality and innovation in their creations.
Artistic Expression and Impact
Members express diverse motivations through their artwork, guiding their unique interpretations of what can be created from the items deemed trash. Sally Willowbee, a member for 20 years, integrates found objects like old sewing machine drawers and glass bottles into her woodworking projects. Another member, Carol Cole, has gained recognition for her piece titled “to the point,” which is currently displayed at the Creative Philadelphia Art Gallery in City Hall.
The Dumpster Divers are showcased in an exhibition titled “Made and Remade – The Art of the Philadelphia Dumpster Divers.” This display centers on the theme of imagination, challenging perspectives about waste and highlighting the beauty that can emerge from discarded materials. Tu Huynh, Curator of Exhibitions and Programs for Creative Philadelphia, underlines the importance of art in transforming how society views trash.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition features a variety of pieces, including artworks by members like Alden Cole and Joel Spivak, who explore environmental messages and the preservation of memories through reused materials. Simone Spicer adds to the mix by creating art from recycled plastics and cardboard, with her work being showcased at Philadelphia International Airport.
The current exhibitions at City Hall showcase other notable artists, including pieces by the Colored Girls Museum, further enhancing the cultural tapestry of the space with themes celebrating marginalized communities alongside the Dumpster Divers’ rustic art.
Sustainability and Future Goals
Neil Benson warns of the growing “trash tsunami” in Philadelphia, emphasizing the need for community awareness around sustainable practices. Members of the group actively engage in initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of sustainability and reducing waste. Their ongoing efforts seek to inspire the public through the artistic potential of upcycled materials while encouraging responsible consumption.
Public Engagement
The Philadelphia Dumpster Divers are committed to sharing their vision with the broader community. A gallery featuring their works is open to the public on select weekends at 703 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia. This initiative invites residents to appreciate creativity born from items often overlooked, providing yet another outlet for dialogue about waste and artistry in the environment.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 7: Dumpster Divers and Upcycling
- Inquirer: Art Curator and Diversity
- Audacy: The Jawncast on Dumpster Divers
- The Art Newspaper: Dumpster Diving Artist
- WNEP: Dumpster Diving Warning
- Wikipedia: Dumpster Diving
- Google Search: Dumpster Diving
- Google Scholar: Dumpster Diving
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dumpster Diving
- Google News: Dumpster Diving
