Alanna uses various parts of old tin cans or copper sheet cut to create these fine works, the ultimate recycling program.

View Allana Baird’s Fish Sculptures here.

Trillium Artisans, a project of the nonprofit Neighborhood Pride Team, is a microenterprise support and community economic development program that empowers artisans and actively connects them to markets. Trillium’s primary goal is to help low-income artisans increase their craft business income and build sustainable microenterprises. All products reflect the commitment to sustainability: they are created with at least 50% recycled or reclaimed materials, and are priced to pay the artisan a living wage. Artisans have access to product reviews, retail and wholesale opportunities, small business counseling, peer networking, guest speakers and more.

Trillium Artisans

WASTE NOT, an an art competition, exhibition and auction of unique creations made from recycled, reused and found materials on March 4, 2006 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm

This event is a benefit for SCRAP (School and Community Reuse Action Project) which promotes creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing educational programs and affordable materials to the community. DISJECTA which is an outlet for artists of all disciplines, provides an arts center for emerging concepts in visual and performing arts in the inner eastside of Portland.

For you lucky Portland, OR, residents, tickets can be purchased online.

Aaron Kramer, an artist from Venice, California is the author of the quote, “trash is the failure of imagination”. He makes objects from street sweeper bristles, recycled coffee stirrers and tin can lids.

Several years ago, Donald Knaack made a commitment to exclusively compose-for and perform-on junk, objects that have been discarded and everyday household objects – all recycled for the purpose of music. The result is called Junk Music ™. “Junk Music ™ is made from junk, but it doesn’t sound like junk. When they hear it, most people think its some type of regular percussion that’s been electronically altered. But it’s 100% pure Vermont recycled materials. I believe it’s the most basic form of world music as it contains two elements that are common in most modern societies: an abundance of junk and music.” said Knaack.

The Junkman is the ultimate recycler and takes the concepts of recycling to new creative levels by choosing discarded objects that once had a specific function (such as an automobile brake drum) and giving those objects a new life as instruments of music. “Taking a discarded object, that once had a specific function, and transforming that object into a sound-producing object has both a great recycling message as well as fresh innovative sound from which I can create a new music. That to me is true creativity. It gives me the opportunity to continue to test my muse: tools that are no good require more skill” said Knaack.

Junk Music ™ has performed for a wide variety of audiences and with a wide variety of performers from PHISH to Twyla Tharp to Conan O’Brien to First Night Boston.

CDs are available for purchase here.

Official music of our blogathon….SUVs SUCK gasoline