​From Trash to Treasure: Recycled Art Show

A Celebration of Creativity, Sustainability, and Community

Our annual Recycled Art Show  is not just an art event, it’s a vibrant, hands-on experience that brings together children, families, and the broader community to explore the power of reuse and environmental responsibility.

What began as a simple idea to introduce sustainability through art has become a beloved annual tradition, showcasing the imagination of our youngest learners (infants, toddlers, and preschoolers) who transform discarded materials into meaningful works of art.

​ Art with a Purpose

Every piece in the exhibit is made from recycled or repurposed items like cardboard, bottle caps, fabric scraps, packaging materials proving that with creativity and intention, trash can truly become treasure.

Children create vibrant collages, sculptures, and multi-dimensional art that reflect both their growing understanding of sustainability and their limitless imagination. The show is thoughtfully designed like an upscale gallery experience, complete with passed appetizers, coat check, and elegant presentation, offering families a chance to celebrate children’s work in a space that feels joyful and intentional.

This is creativity with a conscience.
Art with a message.
And a celebration of young voices using their hands + hearts to shape a better world.

A Learning Opportunity for All Ages

The Recycled Art Show is about more than displaying artwork. It’s an opportunity to engage the whole family in sustainability and eco-conscious living. Throughout the event, families participate in hands-on experiences such as:

• Trashketball
• Bottle Bowling
• Box Building and Construction Play
• Pulp-to-Paper Seed Bomb Making
• The Waste-Free Pledge Station, where children sign personal commitments to reduce waste

These activities blend gross motor skills, collaborative play, and environmental learning, ensuring the message of sustainability is experienced, not just explained.

​Powered by Partnerships

​This event is made possible through collaboration with the Hanley Sustainability Institute, whose vision of early environmental education aligns seamlessly with Bombeck’s mission. Support from local organizations like Waste Free Dayton, McMRF, Five Rivers MetroParks, and the City of Dayton’s Sustainability Office deepens the impact, connecting families to real-world resources and local eco-initiatives.

Volunteers from University of Dayton, including students from Epsilon Nu Tau and Chaminade Julienne High School, also play a vital role, bringing community energy and helping create a welcoming, well-supported event.

Why It Matters

The Recycled Art Show reflects the belief that it’s never too early to teach children about sustainability. Through creativity, collaboration, and exploration, children begin to see their role in caring for the planet, understanding that their actions, no matter how small, have the power to make a difference.

​Coming This Fall: Nature Art Show

Celebrate creativity and the changing seasons through artwork made from natural materials like leaves, twigs, seeds, and stones. Children will explore the outdoors and create meaningful pieces while learning about responsible foraging, gathering gently, gratefully, and with care for the environment.