BALTIMORE, MD (March 22, 2013) – The public is invited this evening to see over 30 works or art that use Baltimore’s curbside recyclable materials at Salvage: A Waste of Materials, A Wealth of Art exhibition, sponsored by Waste Management, at the Baltimore Public Works Museum building, 751 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202. Tonight's opening event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is free and will include a live performance by the Towson Percussion Ensemble who incorporate sound and lights to create a modern form of drumming (drums are crafted from salvaged materials by artists Jenn Figg and Matthew McCormack). Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest recycled materials. The exhibition runs from March 23 to May 18, 2013. Public hours for the exhibition are Fridays and Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (with the exception of March 29 and 30). Admission is free for the run of the show.

“This event and the artworks these artists have created express the underlying meaning of recycling,” says DPW Director Alfred H. Foxx. “The message not only sheds light on our need to recycle but to find ways to reduce our waste.”

In Salvage, the artists broke down pre-existing materials, reinterpreted them and then gave them a new purpose. The results— dynamic 2-D and 3-D recycled art works. Of the 17 artists in show, three will receive winning prizes with the first place artist winning $500.

“Salvage continues the Drive to 35 campaign and is a great way to get citizens energized and excited about recycling. We hope this enthusiasm carries over and inspires them to do their part to help Baltimore reach a 35% recycling rate,” shares the Bureau Head of Solid Waste Valentina I. Ukwuoma.

DPW is set to drive the City of Baltimore to a 35% recycling rate that meets both the State mandate and helps the Mayor’s goal to grow Baltimore by 10,000 families over the next decade. For more information, go to http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov or call 410-396-4511.