BOULDER, Colo. - It's art to some, yes, but
apparently not to the custodian who threw away the newest exhibit at
the Boulder Public Library.
After being pulled out of the garbage, "My Favorite Place to Walk
in Boulder: Or Found Trash Objects" officially opened Friday at the
downtown library. The display features common trash found by
University of Colorado art students in otherwise scenic spots
citywide.
"This is a slightly different kind of art," said Karen Ripley,
director of cultural programs. "It's not meant to be beautiful.
"One of the comments our maintenance guy made was that it
smells," said Ripley, who saved the artwork.
She said the odor could have been coming from a soggy brown
leather clog found in a drinking fountain.
When the janitor dumped the display, there were no signs or
barriers to indicate it was anything but what it looked like: a pile
of rubbish, Ripley said.
Intended as a social commentary on ecology, the exhibit includes
a green Frisbee, a plastic cookie cutter, a cigarette package and a
drink
coaster.