This weekend a band of creative artists are embarking on a community quest: cleaning public spaces — and relaxing afterwards by making art inspired by the locations they’ve cleaned.
Enviro-conscious New Haven artist Zoe Matthiessen is putting the campaign together. Here’s an interview detailing what it’s all about, and how people can get involved.
Tell us about Pick-Up Artists.
I’m organizing a group of artists interested in cleaning up the trash around us, and creating art together afterwards. We will target heavily littered locations, clean them up, then celebrate by sketching, painting and photographing the beautiful place we’ve just cleaned. Not only is it an environmental act of kindness, it brings together artists who share a mutual concern for this issue. My hope is to make this an ongoing project and that it will lead to doing at least one cleanup event every month. I’ll even bring vegan cookies and banana bread!
What started all this?
For years I’d spent much of my time wandering around in the woods of East Rock with my sketch book, drawing all my favorite trees, trails and secret spots. When Trump was elected, everything changed — I have been mainly drawing trash, in some form or another, since then. On the last Earth Day, an artist friend invited me to join her on a cleanup at Long Wharf. It was my first, and I found it an absolute thrill. What better a way to erase all the trash I’d been so preoccupied with? I wanted to do it again the next day. I made the joke a few times that an artist who picks up trash would be a “Pick-Up Artist” and then it all made sense. Why not? There are plenty of artists who groan at trash when on an outdoor sketch. Why not bring a few of us together? Why just complain — why not make a little dent?
Who is involved?
Pick-Up Artists has partnered with New Haven Department of Parks, Recreation & Trees, which has been very supportive of the concept. They are providing tools, supplies, and training and will handle trash disposal after the event. Though fellow Pick-Up Artists are encouraged to brings their favorite tools of the trade to create with, Artist & Craftsman Supply has generously donated art materials which will be available to the artists who participate in the cleanup.
Who are you?
I’m a self-taught artist living in New Haven, creating art that reflects my frustrations — and my hope: that we can do better, that we can make a difference and that the small decisions we make every day can make a significant impact. I have accepted the fact that while I can’t change the world I can certainly improve my community. I love New Haven. It’s my home! I love it enough to get out there and clean it up with like-minded people and have some fun while doing it.
How many are in the group so far?
It’s hard to say; I’m estimating 10 – 15 so far. If only five of us show up, I’ll see that as a small victory and not a bad first effort. Picking up trash is not a glamorous thing to promote! I’ve gotten a fair response through a newly created Facebook page, have set up Instagram, have displayed posters, and posted flyers at art supply shops, cafes and galleries… I’ve run ads. I’ve done what I can to get the word out — now it’s just a matter of people coming through, telling their friends, and showing up to the event if interested. I hope my enthusiasm is shared with other people who, like me, would like to see a cleaner and environmentally healthier New Haven.
Can you describe to the artists what kind of art will be created after the cleanup?
Some people might be inspired by the pristine location we’ve just cleaned; others may prefer to focus on the trash we collect. Who knows? Using paints, inks, pastels, pencil, camera in hand… anything is possible. Maybe someone will make art out of the trash itself and really bring it full circle — whatever floats your boat.
What events are scheduled?
The first is this Saturday, Sept 29th at noon, at the Long Pond entrance to Edgewood Park. There is a great deal of trash on the road side of the park. After it’s handled, we will gather at the pond for relaxing and art-making (and my vegan cookies and banana bread).
The second event is Sat, Oct 20th at Quinnipiac River Park, also at noon.
Bring your Mom! Bring your Dad! Bring your kids and cousins! Bring your sketch book, pens, and paper! Most importantly, bring yourself and join me in doing something that benefits everyone in the community. Let’s make a difference — and have a good time doing it. (All three of us!)
How does one reach the Pick-Up Artists headquarters for needed info?
FACEBOOK: @NHpickupartist
www.zoematthiessen.com/pickup-artists
[email protected]
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This is 'program', while well intended, is poorly named given the current political climate.