SFO’s latest art exhibit – art made from garbage

Travelers pass by this artwork of Eric Otto, using recycled spray and house paint on found objects.

Employee-owned,Francisco-based Recology – the largest organics compost facility operator by volume in the United States – announced today the launch of a web page featuring San Francisco Airport’s (SFO) Museum’s exhibition of work from the Recology Artist in Residence Program at the United Terminal. The Art of Recology highlights this innovative art program that was founded to challenge the way we think about waste, consumption, and art.

The video and slide show – well worth viewing – allows those who can’t see this exhibition in person to experience the artwork online. More than 100 pieces made by 45 Bay Area artists who have participated in the program are on display.

“The purpose of the program is to encourage recycling, help San Franciscans think outside of the box, and help us get to Zero Waste,” said program manager Deborah Munk. “Recology believes that art has the power to influence behavior and inspire new ways of thinking about resource conservation and sustainability.”

Andrew Junge’s huge Styrofoam Hummer is even more awesome when seen up close

The exhibition is open through October 2013 and is expected to be viewed by more than 2.5 million people. The myriad of artworks displayed include a gown made from recycled San Francisco Chronicle delivery bags and a life-sized Styrofoam Hummer.

The Recology Artist in Residence Program aims to inspire and educate by providing local artists with access to materials, a work space, and monetary and administrative support. The artists chosen for the professional residency program have 24-hour access to a studio space and can scavenge in Recology’s Public Disposal and Recycling Areas for materials. Every piece they make has to be made completely from recycled or reused materials.

Through its tours and exhibitions over the past 23 years, the Artist in Residence Program has brought together diverse communities such as artists, students, environmentalists, businesses, and educators who share a common goal of creating a more sustainable world. The program has become world renowned, sponsoring more than 100 Bay Area artists since it began in 1990.

Carnival Masks by Dana Albany made of wood, recycled paint and found objects are featured in the exhibit

“In my opinion, this exhibition is the highlight of the Artist in Residence Program,” Munk said. “We believe that people who visit the SFO Museum exhibition will start thinking about reuse or recycling in a way that they wouldn’t by merely getting a pamphlet in the mail.”

“The wide-ranging artworks stand on their own as extraordinary examples of beauty and creativity,” said Tim O’Brien, curator of exhibitions at SFO Museum. “But the larger message of the need to change our view of material goods and their disposal in the waste stream is ever present. It’s really gratifying to see such a strong public response by visitors.”

I recently went through San Francisco airport’s United Terminal and discovered this remarkable and inspiring exhibition. If you are traveling through that area, take the opportunity to see this amazing exhibit. It’s creative, eye-opening and fun.