Elgin artists make treasure out of trash
Pam McDonald’s train set won first place in the 60+ age group. Photo by Elizabeth Marzec
Nearly two dozen trash art pieces were entered and displayed in the Elgin Recreation Center earlier this month. Photos by Julianne Hodges
Ashley Weicek’s butterfly won the popular vote.
We all know that recycling is important, but sometimes it’s hard to see the beauty in what we typically view as trash. We throw away so many things, but what if we could take that waste and make something outstanding?
Over three Recreation events where we learned how to make recycled crafts and a Trash Art Workday hosted by the Clever Tiger Art Gallery and Elgin’s Beta Space during the last week in August, that’s exactly what members of the Elgin community did! From a recycled metal “Thinker” to a functional guitar and kazoo, these pieces show off the creativity and ingenuity of our community.
To show off these remarkable works of art, the Elgin Recreation Center displayed all 22 unique Trash Art submissions created by members of our community ages two to 65 years of age. These exceptional pieces were made from 90 percent recycled material and represented the vast variety available to us when we experiment with art.
The winners were selected earlier this month. Our winners are:
• 2-7 Age Bracket: Zuri’s kazoo (First Place), Ted (Runner Up)
• 8-12 Age Bracket: Iris’ blue bus (First Place), Luna (Runner Up)
• 18-59 Age Bracket: Emily Chappelear’s television (First Place), Robert Neidig (Runner Up)
• 60+ Age Bracket: Pam Mc-Donald’s train set (First Place), Bonnie Groves (Runner Up)
• Popular Vote: Ashley Weicek’s butterfly (First Place), Tammi Leigh (Runner Up)
We are so proud of everything our community members were able to create, which just proves you can make something from nothing!
For more information on upcoming Parks & Recreation Events, please visit @ElginTXParks on
Facebook or pick up our new program guide from the Elgin Recreation Center, 361 North Highway 95.