The Oregonian had a nice write up about Leave No Plastic Behind featuring artist May Johnson; read it HERE

The NY Times has a great story about Margaret Wertheim’s hyperbolic crochet coral reef project that uses yarn, thread, plastic bags, ties, aluminum can flip tops, videotape, ribbon, tinsel and other stuff in an effort to draw attention to how rising temperatures and pollution are destroying the Great Barrier Reef.

We just discovered that Everett Herald reporter Sarah Jackson has a green blog called Eco Geek which featured Ruby Re-Usable, aka Diane Kurzyna, this past Thursday.

Diane was honored to give a 30 year retrospect presentation of her recycled art work to the Awakening the Dreamer, Pursuing the Dream program at The Evergreen State College this week. She will return there in May to work with the students on creating identity dolls out of things that otherwise get thrown away.

Ruby was accepted to do a Tacoma Contemporary art installation window, which will happen in February 2009. She will debut new work at the Black Front Gallery in Olympia April 4 (more details SOON).

George the Junkileptic Kurzman, Second-hand Sid Suski, Ruby Re-Usable and others will be part of a group show for Olympia’s spring Arts Walk at Olympia Salvage

Meanwhile, Whirligig, that wonderful shop in downtown Olympia where Ms Re-Usable not only displayed her upcycled art work but also offered recycled art workshops, is closing this month. We are heartbroken, since there is no where else in town where Olympia Dumpster Divers and other indie/green artisans can gather to sell their unique wares and also teach their crafts. We can only hope that something arises in the future, and meanwhile, continue looking to Portland or Seattle or Tacoma for “local” places to do our thing.

Calls for Recycled Art:

There is less than a week left for Washington artists to enter the Seattle Re-Store’s 6th annual Recycled Art and Fashion Show (deadline is March 15). Download application HERE

Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat in Leavenworth, WA is seeking submissions for their 2nd Annual “We’re Talking Trash Here” recycled art show, deadline is April 1.

The Phinney Neighborhood Center Gallery in Seattle is looking for recycled art entries to “Green My Ride.” Deadline is March 14.