Aspiring artists say, ‘Don’t trash it’
Pupils have transformed recycled business waste into a series of sculptures thanks to a Warwickshire-based enviro-arts group.
The reclaimed materials are supplied by Warwick-based CREATES (Creative Recycling Enviro-Arts Training and Education Service) which is run by recycling company Trees are Green and Warwickshire County Council’s Artists in Warwickshire Education team.
CREATES are appealing to local firms to donate surplus materials so their work can continue.
More than twenty 12 to13-year-olds from Foxford School and Community Arts College in Longford, Coventry, have been working with Warwickshire artist Emily Warner on the five-week Creative Apprentice Scheme. Using surplus materials including old CDs, foam offcuts, clothes hangers and reels the pupils are producing artwork in forgotten spaces around the school to raise awareness of landfill and environmental issues.
Vikki Holroyd of Warwickshire County Council said: “We want more companies to recognise the creative potential of their surplus materials. We have used everything from rolls of crisp wrappers, underwear hangers and discarded cartridges to creative effect.”
Mark Saunders, Director of Trees are Green, added: “It is really very simple for companies to get involved as we advise them on the sort of materials that can be rediscovered, set up recycling bins and collect the materials ourselves. It is a great way for local firms to contribute to community projects while reducing landfill at the same time.”
If your company would like to get involved in the CREATES scheme please contact Trees are Green on 01926 498 855.