Local Artists Transform Waste Into Art

Dozens of colorful and unique recycled art pieces are currently adorning the walls and gallery space of the .

The annual Re-Create Recycled Art Show kicked off where a variety of artists were awarded for their work. Lauren Dinneweth, director of the Orion Art Center, is pleased with the quality and the amount of art pieces submitted this year. She also noted she was impressed with the number of artists that stuck with this year's theme, the 'Nature of Things'.

One artist, Toni Millman, collected garbage that washed up on her shore and used those in her piece 'Help Keep our Waterways Clean'.

"This show really makes you think about what you're using and what you're throwing away," Dinneweth said.

Artists as young as 7-years-old submitted their creations to the show, including many new artists, said Dinneweth. A variety of participating artists used recycled industrial materials for their pieces, while others used items such as vinyl records, clothesline pins and feathers for their works of art.

"People look forward to this show every year," Dinneweth said. "You are literally creating something out of trash and it really starts you thinking about art in a different way."

Dinneweth said they are throwing around the idea of having next year's theme be wearable art.