Bottled Water: River of Life
Plastic Bottles: From Inspiration to Installation, Bryant Holsenbeck's Perspective

What do recyclable bottles have to do with art? Well, see for yourself. Come on down to the Cary Arts Center to observe the new art installation orchestrated by community artist, Bryant Holsenbeck. There are several parts to this installation, two of which can be seen from the main lobby. Interestingly, the pieces in the large windows overlooking the lobby from the upper level bear a strong resemblance to stained glass. A second piece resembling a waterfall cascades down from the upper level onto the main lobby. Additional parts of this work can be found in the hallway alcoves on the main and upper levels. Each of the parts have one thing in common: recyclable plastic water and soda bottles. Some of the bottles are clear in color, while others are blue and green, creating subtle hues for these pieces. The bottles themselves are Holsenbeck's canvas. The artist incorporates other materials: bottle-caps, plastic caps, and rope. This work has garnered lots of conversations and heated discussions about waste, the environment, sustainability, and the never-ending debate on, "what is art?"

Holsenbeck began her arts career as a basket maker. Since that time she has evolved into an environmental artist who makes large-scale installations that document the waste stream of our society. She has shown her work and taught throughout the United States. She has been the recipient of two North Carolina Arts Council Fellowships, a Project Grant, and an NEA Arts and Learning Grant that she worked on in collaboration with the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission. She is also an independent studio artist who creates books, birds, and sculptures out of recycled materials. As an artist, she is passionate about what this work represents to her. The essence of her message is that as we (as a society) create more and more garbage, we are somewhat blind to our waste. She feels strongly that we have become dependent on convenience and efficiency and one-time use containers for both fast food and grab-and-go drinks. Consequently, it would seem that this work mirrors our dependence on the "quick-fix" mentality of American culture.
 
As part of this Town-sponsored project the artist will conduct a workshop for Teachers on how to use everyday items to create works that will transform and surprise us. The techniques and skills that will be demonstrated and applied during this workshop will provide inspiration for environmentally conscious class projects that are both fun and educational. The workshop will focus on the art of re-using potential garbage followed by the initiation of individual projects. The teachers' workshop will take place at the Cary Art Center, on Saturday, June 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The enrollment fee is $20 and the registration deadline is Friday, May 24. Contact Ashley McCall at (919) 462-3862 or email her at ashley.mccall@townofcary.org for questions about the registration form. 

Holsenbeck enjoyed and appreciated the participation and assistance of Teen Council volunteers and SPRUCE volunteers for this installation. Bottled Water: River of Life will be on exhibit from now through early September. We hope you make the time to see it! See more of Bryant Holsenbeck's artwork at www.bryantholsenbeck.com.