From Trash to Treasure

Did you ever stop to think that paper clip, Popsicle stick or scrap metal you’ve just tossed could be salvaged and transformed into an objet d’art?

Teresa Runion, special events coordinator for the Geauga Park District, has. And she has the proof that it’s possible.

Through January 31, the talents of 92 regional artists are showcased during the park district’s “discARTed” Recycled Art Exhibition. Creativity abounds in the 300 works on display: 3,400 rainbow-hued bottle caps serve as the basis for a sunrise/sunset mural titled “Morning/Evening Spectrum.” A shadowbox spotlights a miniature 1950s diner fashioned from a metal bread box, with counter stools made out of suction cups and yogurt container lids.

“Visitors to the show are given the chance to look at trash in a totally different way,” says Runion, a dedicated recycler who spearheaded the exhibition. “As a result, maybe we’ll keep a few more things out of the landfill.”

Marc Yanko has made a noteworthy contribution to the exhibit. The mechanical engineer from Chardon created a quintet of instruments –– a banjo, fiddle, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and stomp box –– from cast-off odds and ends, including a five-gallon bucket, a frying pan, three cigar boxes and a wooden spoon. Each replicates the sound of its authentic namesake.

“Anytime there’s something left with a useful part on it, I don’t have the heart to throw it away,” Yanko says with a laugh.

“My goal,” he adds, “is to take recycling to a new level.”

The “discARTed” Recycled Art Exhibition is taking place at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Rd., Russell Township 44072.

For more information, call 440/286-9516 or visit geaugaparkdistrict.org.