Exhibit of Art Utilizing Recyclables and Trash Opens March 5 at ODU Virginia Beach

ODU Virginia Beach, in partnership with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, presents the "Art for Change" exhibit during Youth Art Month 2014. This exhibit will showcase approximately 80 pieces of artwork that utilize recyclable materials and trash to create awareness of sustainability of the earth's resources.

Ericka Hitchcock, art teacher and coordinator for the exhibit, said that approximately 80 to 100 art students from Green Run, Collegiate, Bayside and Tallwood high schools are participating as artists.

The exhibit, which runs from March 5 to April 7, will be displayed in the atrium at ODU Virginia Beach, 1881 University Drive. A reception is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27. It is free and open to the public

The students who are exhibiting their work were inspired by Brazilian-born photographer and artist Vik Muniz, subject of the 2010 award-winning documentary "Waste Land," which features multilayered imagery from the world's largest trash dump in Brazil and Muniz's pictures of garbage pickers there that he transformed into works of art.

ODU art and general education students under the direction of Patti

Edwards, senior art lecturer and supervisor, are providing assistance to the high school exhibitors as needed.

"This exhibition celebrates community, collaboration and creativity ~ ODU art education students strive to be profession role models and are honored to mentor or assist those in our community through ongoing events which embrace service-learning at Old Dominion University, Virginia Beach," Edwards said.

For more information about the exhibit and for ODU Virginia Beach hours, call 368-4109.