Trees of Life Recycled: Plastic Installation, Grand Rapids Michigan

I am getting ready for my biggest installation to date!  John and I will be taking a road trip to his home state to participate September 21-October 9th along with 1700 other artists at ArtPrize, a huge art event where 250,000 visitors cast votes for favorite pieces. I am so excited about my entry based on the ancient tradition of 'bottle trees' and plan for the public to participate during the event by making recycled floral elements on-site to add to my trees. I am honored that The Calder Plaza Building chose my entry for their venue. I will be working practically in the shadow of a giant Calder sculpture!

I need your help!  Please pledge to Kickstarter, a fund-raising site where I am offering fun gifts based on my recycled plastic for your participation. On Kickstarter you can see a slide show of my plans for Grand Rapids.

The latest:

 My glitter samples that arrived the other day. I am trying them out sparingly.  I love glitter so much it is REALLY hard not buying all the colors. The iridescents are my favorites.They fueled my inspiration to drive through the neighborhood on recycle day and pick through the bins set out on the streets of Altamonte Springs. I wore a dress so as not to look too suspicious. It was early but I figured I would draw attention to myself if I stayed in my pajamas.  In the hot and muggy 90 degree heat my glasses kept fogging up as I hopped in and out of my mini-van stopping when I spied a good stash of 2 liter bottles. I had to make a quick get-away when the garbage truck caught up with me, but I was ready with my over-used excuse that works every time: "Don't mind me. I am an artist."