Trash Art Project

What is the Trash Art Project?

The Trash Art Project is a collaborative effort between local artists, the Snowmass Art Advisory Board (SAAB) and the Town of Snowmass Village Transportation Department. The project aims to provide exposure to local artists and bring public art to the Village in places where people already gather, shuttle stops.

The Trash Art Project is a response to change after years of making large art purchases from single artists to place off the beaten path. Now, the SAAB is shifting their focus towards developing relationships with multiple artists and placing art in highly frequented areas.

Individual artists will have the opportunity to “muralize” one of the bear-proof trash cans at each of the 16 Town shuttle stops. This is a new, inclusive approach which engages multiple local artists, spreads investment throughout our town and utilizes existing infrastructure. The SAAB recognizes that public art builds community, stimulates the economy and promotes cultural consciousness.

Meet the Artists:

Chris Erickson

Residence: Carbondale

Contact: Email Chris Erickson

Check out the following clip to learn more about Chris Erickson, and the first installment of the Trash Art Project.

Lily Shah

Residence: Snowmass Village

Contact: Email Lily Shah

Bio: I received my Master degree from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts where I was trained as an art therapist. I believe that people have the innate ability to create from within. I am inspired by my surroundings and by color. I love being involved in the community and believe that public art projects are a great way for people to appreciate their surroundings, engage, and invest in the community.

Design: The drawings on the trash can are created from photos I have taken around Snowmass Village. The main feature of the drawing is the mountain itself, which wraps around the entire trash can. Each side is distinguished by a different mountain scene, time of day and activity in Snowmass Village. One side is spring, with flowers I photographed in Snowmass. Another side features the Snowmass Balloon festival. Another side features a person biking in the moon light. The top of the can will have rainbow design connecting all of the scenes. I believe this would be a good addition to a the Trash Art Project to demonstrate the natural beauty of Snowmass Village and the different activities that exist for visitors and locals.

Stephanie Larson

Residence: Basalt

Contact: Email Stephanie Larson

Bio: I have been a Roaring Fork Valley resident for multiple years. I created the company Queen Tattoo for producing customized art work with various mediums, which has been in operation for over eight years. I am predominantly known for my use of bright colors, bold straight lines and attention to detail. I come from a family of artists. My mother was a contemporary artist and arts and crafts queen. My father is a custom chopper and vehicle fabricator. My art is heavily influenced by my surroundings. How I feel at the moment with a paint brush in my hand or out on a walk with my dog is what I paint or create. My drawings don't always reference recognizable forms, but show an audience my way of seeing something "normal". The results are deconstructed to the extent that meaning is shifted and an alternate interpretation is possible. Most of my work is made for charities, local showings, fashion shows or skin. I have donated work to the Breast Cancer Awareness charity, Denver Dumb Friends League and the Denver Buddy Program.

Design: I feel that Snowmass Village has a very fun side to its summer and winter, offering many different opportunities to every visitor and resident. With wild colors, a bunch of love and the freedom to be tastefully goofy, my design captures the love for the Brush Creek Valley and the opportunity for creativity in Snowmass Village.