Art with a higher (re)purpose

UW-Green Bay Professor Alison Gates’ Advanced Textiles class definitely takes the “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” idea to a whole new level.

“In Advanced Textiles the students worked on building a body of artwork that expresses his or her vision as an individual artist with a unique voice,” explains Gates.

The students were asked to “save” certain textiles for their particular art projects and those of their classmates, but soon enough, the class noticed a constant theme among the used coffee filters, cigarette butts, old single socks, and pop can tabs.

“Somebody said offhandedly that they should have a show of textile work from recycled products,” said Gates. “It sort of happened organically.”

And so the show titled “Trashion the Place” was born. Students involved were Emily Bartos, Sarah Condon, Carrie Dorski, Kari Hinrichs, Krisi Hipke, Tamarra Hyde, Amii John, Laura Rothenbach, Drew Schmidt, Lacey Schnurer, Allison Wagner, and Jacob Yanke.

The students were also excited to find out that their show is in keeping with UW-Green Bay’s Common Theme of “Realizing our Sustainable Future.”

The show took place in the 407 Gallery on the fourth floor of the Studio Arts building on the UW-Green Bay campus from Oct. 26-30.

(Click thumbnails to enter slideshow view.)

Text by Marketing and University Communication intern Lauren Muench.