Cardboard, bottles and other ordinary everyday items are being transformed into whimsical masterpieces by people with disabilities.
Approximately 15 Arc of Kona participants have been flexing their imaginations and using unwanted discarded items, deemed trash, to create art over the past two weeks. They have also been learning more about reusing and recycling, as well as building a better understanding of the real-world effects a recycling mindset can have.
“Recycling to make art further encourages the collection of recyclable materials here at Arc of Kona, but also at home and with the community,” said Maggie Lobo, operations director. “Arc of Kona participants already collect and turn in recyclable items for cash, which is then used for class projects and outings. We have also been building soil in our gardens by regularly composting kitchen waste. A fun project like this further helps change the attitudes and perceptions about the quality of recycled products or items usually tossed into the garbage.”
Classroom aide Vicki Akers came up with the idea to the art project after attending Recycle Hawaii’s annual Art of Recycling School Competition in April at the Kona International Marketplace. The young artists’ creations amazed her. They proved recycled or reusable materials, thought to be utterly useless, can be the start of creating something truly beautiful and thought provoking.
Such a project proves art has no limitations — something that could be seen Thursday. Broken tennis balls, coconuts and bottles, embellished with yarn, fabric scraps, beads and paint, became the beloved Alice in Wonderland characters at their famous tea party. A cardboard box, old tuna cans and plastic toy animals found at a thrift store became an animal carrier.
All the creations were self-initiated.
“Building choice is also a general theme for working with this population and the type of object they are making is entirely their own,” Lobo said.
Arc of Kona participant Shannon Salas, 34, thinks art can be created with nearly any medium.
“A lot of people think things are junk and throw it away, but it can be beautiful,” he said.
For his art project, Salas decided to make a church, complete with a smiling congregation, hanging cross and stained glass window inside. Among the items used were cardboard boxes, an egg carton, Christmas twine, aluminium foil, sticks and string.
“I love my church, Thy Word Ministries. I go every Sunday morning to pray and sing,” he said. “I made this small church as a thank you to my church. I want to show them what it means to me.”
Arc of Kona is a private nonprofit in Kealakekua that helps people with disabilities develop skills needed to achieve the fullest possible independence and participation in society according to their wishes. Making choices, such as deciding the size or color of something, is central to art making and making choices on one’s own is a sign of independence, said Gretchen Lawson, Arc of Kona executive director.
“The artwork is fabulous and creative,” Lawson said. “For the participants, this project is increasing their motor skills, critical thinking skills, cognitive engagement, self-esteem and socialization skills. It’s also creating a sense of joy and enthusiasm that’s really contagious.”
Lobo agreed, adding the art projects like this one also gives participants, especially the nonverbal ones, a vehicle to express themselves and communicate with their peers.
The public is invited to check out the creations from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday and vote for their favorite. Winners will receive prizes and acknowledgement for their hard work. For more information, call 323-2626 or visit arcofkona.org.
