Even paradise has trash. In the islands, recycling is even more important because there is less space for landfills. Dumping it into the ocean is not an option. Artistic individuals have used ingenuity and humor to make Hawaiians aware of the need to recycle. To display their creations, a number of trash and treasure art shows are held throughout the year.
Each October the East Hawaiian Cultural Center holds Haute Trash Fashion Show featuring wearable recyclables. Over 40 models walk the catwalk clad in the creations of local designers who find their materials in the closest garbage bin. This is part of the annual Trash Art Show in Hilo, started by local artist Ira Ono. Find recycled juice cans turned into elaborate masks or discarded compacts disks turned into colorful refrigerator magnets.
East Hawaii Cultural Center
141 Kalakaua St
Hilo, HI 96720
808-961-5711
ehcc.com
The Temari Center for Asian & Pacific Arts hosts an annual Trash and Treasure sale and solicits entries from local artists. The nonprofit organization screens the works and then puts them up for sale. The November timing is aimed at bringing in holiday shoppers looking for the unusual. As of 2010 the show was in its 22nd year.
Temari Center for Asian & Pacific Arts
P.O. Box 12185
1754 Lusitana St
Honolulu, HI 96828
808-536-4566
temaricenter.com
Linda Damas heads the annual Trash Bash held at the Kohala Coffee Mill in Hawi on the Big Island of Hawaii. The event had its fourth showing in the spring of 2010. On display were peace-sign mosaics made of broken glass, tiki masks formed out of worn-out fan belts and mobiles created out of discarded cans and scrap metal. Part of the event is a fashion show where prizes are awarded for the best outfits made from recycled lamp shades, bits of plastic and just about anything else you could imagine. Registration and participation is encouraged for recyclers of all ages.
Kohala Trash Bash
Kohala Coffee Mill
1 Akone Pule Hwy
Hawi, Hi 96719
808-345-6322
kohalatrashbash.com
