There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day. Some people plant trees. Others take up specific environmental causes. This weekend, the citizens of Lemont will continue with the tradition of celebrating Earth Day in their own way.
For the eighth year in a row, the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania will present its annual recycled arts show at the Arts Center, 818 Pike St., Lemont. The exhibit will feature various two and three-dimensional works made from recycled materials by local artists.
The theme for this year's exhibit will be "All My Relations," a reference to the traditional Native American concept that all living things are related.
"We try to have a different theme each year," said exhibit organizer and Art Alliance member Amalia Shaltiel. "Every year we collaborate to come up with a unique idea that relates to Earth Day."
Previous themes have included "Exquisite Body Parts," "Motion and Emotion," and "Red." The idea for the recycled arts show began eight years ago, when Shaltiel collaborated with other members of the Art Alliance to come up with a unique and original way to celebrate Earth Day.
"The Art Alliance has always been involved with various types of exhibits," said Shaltiel. "But the idea for a recycled arts show came up because we wanted to try something new and it's also a way for us to give back to the community. As an art group, that is part of our purpose."
The exhibit will feature work by members of the Art Alliance as well as members of the local community, including children.
One of the artists to be featured, Carol Goldberg, helped organize a group project which involved each artist choosing an animal they felt represented their personality and making a totem pole with the animals by using an old coat rack.
"I picked a humming bird," said Goldberg. "They're always busy, flying around very quickly and I felt it was the animal that represented me the most. I've been doing this exhibit for years and I love it because it's a great opportunity to work with different mediums."
Some of the other materials that will be used in the show include recycled glass and metal, old clothing, grocery bags, tea bags and coffee filters.
Prizes will be awarded in both adult and youth/family categories and will be given based on voting done by public viewers of the exhibit. Among the prizes is $100 to be given by Nittany Bank as well as gift certificates from various local stores.
The exhibit will begin today with a reception for the public from 7 to 9 p.m. and will continue until Sunday. Admission is free and the event will be open to the public. For more information call (814) 234-2740.
