Reviving Creativity: The Rise in Upcycled Art
Atlanta is the creative center of Georgia with a vibrant presence in music, fine art, theater, and fashion. Contemporary art, public art, and urban art define the culture and history of the city. With the City of Atlanta setting aside 1.5% of capital improvement funding for the development of public art, Atlanta has made a significant investment into its arts scene, fostering a creative vibe, and cultural growth through public art installations and a thriving network of galleries and spaces. The city’s strong support of the arts, combined with its focus on sustainability, has led to the growth of upcycling initiatives.
Upcycling art is a creative and sustainable approach to transforming discarded or unwanted materials into new and valuable artworks. Instead of contributing to waste, artists repurpose items such as scrap metal, old textiles, plastics, or wood to craft unique pieces that carry both aesthetic and environmental significance. This method reduces waste and challenges traditional notions of art by merging innovation with eco-consciousness. Upcycling art reflects a broader movement toward sustainability and responsibility, inspiring individuals to see beauty and potential in materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Through this practice, artists make a powerful statement about resourcefulness and the importance of environmental responsibility.
Atlanta’s art scene has seen a rise in artists transforming discarded materials into unique, imaginative pieces. In December of 2022, the Atlanta Hawks celebrated their partnership with Novelis by unveiling “Full Court Press” , a stunning piece in the shape of their logo, made out of 404 lbs. of upcycled aluminum cups and cans. They collaborated with local artist Taylor Means to visualize their shared focus on the importance of sustainability.
Scraplanta is an Environmental Arts non-profit that serves Metro Atlanta. Their mission is to promote environmental awareness, education, and artistic expression to the greater Atlanta community through the collection and reuse of material arts and crafts. They provide resources such as an Art Supply Thrift Store, Sliding Scale-Craft Workshops, and Materials Collection and Wastes Diversion. Livable Buckhead will be working with Scraplanta to curate volunteer-led art installations on PATH400 later in the year.
When we remove barriers for artists, the community can use art for healing, liberation, financial freedom, and joy. –Scraplanta
As the upcycle art movement gains momentum, it is clear Atlanta is becoming an epicenter for those who see art as a powerful tool for change, challenging us to rethink our consumption habits and inspire a greener tomorrow. Scraplanta’s Art Supply Thrift Store and the Lifecycle Building Center are great community resources for artists looking to repurpose materials as well as donate unused items.
A few more places to visit in Atlanta to see upcycled art:
- Le Primitif Galleries at Atlanta Market
- Alpla: Artist Hyland Mather ‘Nice Time’
- Recycle Runway: Artist and Environmental Educator Nancy Judd (learn more about Recycling the Runway at Livable Buckhead.
- Visit Livable Buckhead’s celebration of art at the Miami Circle Gallery Stroll Saturday, September 21st 4-6 pm.
- South Fulton Institute EarthArt
