Florida Museum hosts 15th annual Trashformations showcase Nov. 22

November 4, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For some Alachua County students, trash doesn’t equate to garbage but instead may be morphed into creative works of art. The Florida Museum of Natural History will display these artistic creations during the 15 annual Trashformations showcase from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22.

The Trashformations recycled art show and competition is open to middle school, high school and college students. All entries are constructed from 70 percent or more recycled material and judged on the criteria of “most creative expression” and “most innovative use of recycled materials.”

“This event helps you look at recyclables in a new way,” said Florida Museum educator Tiffany Ireland. “It’s always interesting how someone turns milk jugs into an ibis or cans into an owl. This is an opportunity for us to showcase our local, young talent. Every year you always get wowed by something.”

Students in each division compete for cash and other prizes and the Florida Museum will display winning entries through Dec. 2.

“This judged art show allows us a chance to reach students and community members who we may not otherwise interact with through our traditional classroom presentations,” said Jeffery Klugh, recycling program coordinator for the Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives. “The 70 percent recycled material requirement forces students to look at their environment and see which parts of their waste stream could serve a better purpose, whether through creative uses or through traditional recycling.”

The Trashformations awards ceremony is hosted at the Florida Museum in collaboration with the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners and Office of Waste Alternatives.

The deadline to submit an entry application is 5 p.m. Nov. 8, and entries must be delivered to the Florida Museum between noon and 5 p.m Nov. 21.

For more information, visit http://trashformations.alachuacounty.us or call Shelley Samec, 352-548-1297.