Upcycle//Uplift

Curated by Heather Palecek for the Trenton City Museum (The Ellarslie)

December 3, 2022 - January 22, 2023

This exhibit was part of the “Young Curators” showcase, designed by Artworks Director C.A. Shofed and hosted at The Ellarslie. The other curators involved were: Brass Rabbit, Buck Malvo, Lank + Beloved 1.

STATEMENT FROM CURATOR, HEATHER PALECEK

Upcycling is the act of taking an object that is no longer in use and repurposing it, giving it a second life. An important aspect of upcycling for me, is that it’s saving an item from being added to a landfill; contributing to our global garbage crisis as well as climate change. “Upcycle/Uplift” features 9 local artists who work with upcycled objects in the creation of their art as either materiality, substrate, tool, or presentation. The environmentalist in me is inspired by their unique and profound manipulation of objects to create works of art that are not only beautiful, but sustainable.

I’d like to send a message that upcycling materials is a substantial way to better our future and world, and uplift these artists as local leaders in this movement. I hope everyone (artists and non-artists alike) will be encouraged to upcycle after experiencing “Upcycle/Uplift”.  You may find inspiration from Kelly Vetter who collects single use plastic bags and utensils to create incredibly intricate and sophisticated animal sculptures or from Alia Bensliman and Jim Simon who incorporate old magazines into their sculptural and 2D works. Or maybe take inspiration from Kyle Lang who uses glass from old picture frames as his photographic substrate for darkroom experimentation, and Sharon Harris who has turned old tin cans into cameras to create her beautiful portraits. Or from Habiyb Shu’Aib who has upcycled materials into frames that correspond to the subject matter in his work. This exhibition also features the work of Tamara Torres, Kate Eggleston, and Wills Kinsley. Coming from these 9 artists are diverse styles, subjects, and mediums; a little something for everyone. I’m thrilled to announce that Kate, Wills, and Kelly are unveiling works created for and seen for the first time at this show.

Upcycle to reduce pollution and litter on our streets. Upcycle because it’s fun. Uplift community members, teachers, artists, and friends who are doing good for our world and within our community. And Listen to Pete Seeger's words:

“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.”

– Pete Seeger, Folk Singer & Social Activist

Please follow these artists on Instagram: @jimbosimon, @kellyvetter, @willsmakes, @kate.eggleston, @beloved1___, @sharonharrispinholephotography, @lang.120, @tamaratorresart, @alia_bensliman_art, @heather.palecek.art, @shofedart, @ellarslie_tcm