Amidst the wide variety of art at Grand Rapid’s second annual ArtPrize, a different form of creativity has emerged. Decorated recycle bins, located at different locations around the downtown area, are fully-functional creations of the Primary ReUsers.

Ola Nwabara, faculty adjunct in Grand Valley State University’s Liberal Studies and Communications Departments, founded the Primary ReUsers when she realized the need for recycle bins in the downtown area during last year’s ArtPrize. Nwabara said that she thought painting the bins would be a good way to make people stop and think.

“I’d love for people to consider rethinking what materials they throw away versus which materials they recycle,” she said. “But further, critically analyze what materials can be re-used versus trashed. I hope people [will] find a way to be creative and have fun while doing something as helpful to the environment as reducing their carbon footprint, recycling and reusing.”

The bins were donated to the Primary ReUsers by Cascade Engineering and were then decorated by local artists and recycling enthusiasts, including students from the Kendall School of Art and Design. Nwabara said that she thinks decorating the recycle bins helps to turn sustainability and environmental stewardship into an art form.

“Each artist was asked to design their bin with sustainability, reusing, community and Grand Rapids in mind,” she said.

The feedback on the recycle bins has so far been positive, Nwabara said. Primary ReUsers received support from GVSU’s Art Gallery, the GVSU Sustainable Community Development Initiative and the city of Grand Rapids, as well as from local companies and organizations.

Nwabara mentioned that Primary ReUsers is currently looking for companies who would like to keep the recycling bins for public use. The group plan to re-enter ArtPrize again next year with a bigger and more locally involved project if the necessary resources are available.

According to a Primary ReUsers brochure, the recycle bins can be found on West Fulton Avenue, Northwest Monroe Avenue, Southwest Ionia Avenue, Division Street and Southeast Wealthy Street. Each bin is unique and has its own message of environmental awareness, recycling, community and reusing.

“When I think of reusing, I think of bell bottoms,” said Lyn Williams, a local artist who helped paint the bins, in the brochure. “Just keep it [and] it will come back in style.”

For more information about the Primary ReUsers, visit www.primaryreusers.com or visit the Primary ReUsers Facebook page.

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