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Earth Day Art Exhibit at EPA - Artists turns Found Objects into Visual Triumphs

Release Date: 4/6/2000
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA -- An exhibit highlighting Philadelphia children’s art is displayed with works by local artist Leo Sewell throughout April at EPA’s public information center located at 1650 Arch Street. Sewell’s brightly charged sculptors are made from objects Sewell has transformed from ordinary everyday items into dogs, cats, and other easy to love creatures and creations. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Student artists from public and private schools and recreation centers across the city were encouraged to create art works from trash. The exhibit includes works by fourth, fifth, and sixth grade artists from Blankenburg Elementary; Conwell Middle Magnet School; H.R. Edmunds Elementary; Lewis C. Cassidy ; and the Scanlon and Cohocksink Recreation Centers. One piece is dedicated to the heroic acts of firemen.

EPA is hosting this exhibit to inspire others with the idea that one person’s trash can be crafted into another person’s treasure. These sculptures and reliefs are delightful. Some make you want to laugh out loud. Sewell, who grew up near a dump, has always been fascinated with what amazing things can be done with what others throw away.

Americans have learned that if nothing was done to reduce the vast bounty of trash flowing into America’s landfills, that they would fill to capacity and close. As a result, many cities and states now require materials to be recycled, including plastic, paper, aluminum, and glass. Markets for products from recycled materials continue to grow.

Recycling has gone from a good idea to a habit. Artists help us see how this habit can be useful as well as environmentally friendly.


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