An Earth Day related event is underway that is a collaboration between Allentown business owners and green-inspired artists. The Green Window City (GWC) sustainable public art project is being showcased in shop windows throughout Allentown. The effort is being led by Kelly Atkinson, who was determined to prompt the creation of a series of eye-catching pop-up galleries, using recycled elements.
Atkinson teamed up with a number of artists to pull off the green demonstration. The show runs for two weeks. The public is invited to walk around Allentown in search of the upcycled works of art. While Allentown is home to the crux of the collection, the following neighborhoods each have a single work of art to view: Hertel, Grant, Downtown, Elmwood, and the University Heights.
This event has run three times in Edmonton, AB drawing high viewership, media coverage, and was considered a Top-10 City Event in 2014. Last spring, GWC showed in Elmwood Village with much involvement and excitement. – Kelly Atkinson
Before the works of arts were hung/displayed, the artists worked with the business owners to craft a like-minded artistic vision. If the works function as they should, they will act as a promotional vehicle to support local businesses. The effort also encourages shoppers to think earth friendly thoughts.
Following are a few of the works that are currently on display:
- Artist Jaime Schmidt’s work of art is made out of used road salt she scraped off the streets
- Ani Hoover’s work is made from used bike tires and tubes
- The Hyatt’s window “Garden of Earthly Delights” is a collaboration of Elmwood Village Charter School
- A work at Buffalo Lab (installed with LED) is made from cardboard, plastic bags and table clothes and yarn scraps
“Really, the inspiration was from the community feel and artistic vibe of the neighborhoods that have hosted Green Window City,” said Atkinson, when asked what inspired the project. “They’re dense with local businesses, interesting architecture, talented artists, and foot traffic. So GWC came about as an idea to spotlight all of this, unified by the broader goal of environmental responsibility. It’s been pretty fun seeing all of the support and work come together! Hopefully you’ll have time to take a walk around the neighborhood; I particularly love the range of styles this year!”
Click here to see the interactive map of eco art installations using materials diverted from the waste stream. Check out GWC PDF of artists and projects.
Find Green Window City on Facebook and on Pinterist.
Lead image: ShopCraft‘s work-in-progress, upcycling cans into art for the Thin Ice window in Elmwood Village.
Inset image #1: Elmwood Village Charter School students working on their artwork for Hyatt’s All Things Creative.
Inset image: Elmwood Village Charter School in collaboration wth Buffalo Lab, a makerspace at Hyatt’s All Things Creative in the Allentown Association
Below is a list of artists, locations, titles and recycled materials used to make the works of art:
Alicia Grunder | New Touch of Elegance | The Natural Center | sticks, styrofoam & newspaper
Ani Hoover | Freshly Dipped | Flower Power Tire Tower | zip ties & post-consumer bike tires
Austin Laughlin | Manuel Baretto | Anthrocrystallization | plywood, wainscoting & steel tubing
Elmwood Village Charter School | Hyatt’s | Garden of Earthly Delights | carboard, plastic & yarn
International Preparatory School | Salon Bandelian | Under the Sea | paper, cardboard & foam
International Preparatory School | Salon Bandelian | Spring Serenity | plastic, magazines & paper
Jaime Schmidt | Flo Light | cardboard, string & road salt
Jeremiah Schmelling | Les Jardines | Engage in the Scene | cardboard, junk paper & fishing line
Jess Widmer | The Pop In | Connectivity | couch cushions, old clothing & paper
Joe Kurtz | UHTL | Upcycled DIY Living | electrical filament, roofing nails, pallet wood
Julie Schworm | The Dress Shop | Haberdashery | packing paper, newspaper, & plastic bags
Kayleigh Small | Cafe 59 | Urban Botany | newspaper
Khrista Tabak & Sam Epps | Furnishings | Geo Trompe L’Oeil | plywood & cinder blocks
Marissa Lehner | Caffèology | Roots | glass, rope & plant cuttings
Ron Westlake | Mercury Salon | Scene 35 | Take 3 | cardboard, wood & paper
Sarah Field Sonnenberg | High Klass Hair | Passive Observers | paper, tomato cages & Spackle
Shelby Baron | Buffalo Melting Point | Paper Chandelier | paper, poles & string
ShopCraft | Thin Ice | Tin Year Anniversary | cans, paper & wood
Small Built Works | Brad Wales Architecture | Buffalo Benches Project | upcycled materials
Suzie Molnar | Grindhaus Cafe | Everything We Touch Turns To Trash | phone books, maps & computer parts
Tim Genco | Allen Street Poutine Company | Homage to Cairo & Toronto | pvc, wood & acrylic
Tina Bethge | Walter Medical Inc | (Out) | wood, computer towers & t-shirts