Transforming Trash - Artist-in-Residence Program
Olmsted County has a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and community well-being. For decades, the county has led forward-thinking efforts in waste reduction, recycling, and energy recovery, always seeking creative ways to engage residents in building a more sustainable future.
In 2025, Commissioner Laurel Podulke-Smith envisioned an artist residency that could bridge the worlds of art, education, and sustainability, turning waste into inspiration. She shared the idea with local professional artist Jessalyn Finch, a longtime collaborator in community projects and creative initiatives. Together, they saw the potential to create something truly unique: a program where artists could work directly with reclaimed materials to spark public dialogue about sustainability and creative reuse.
With the county’s support, Jessalyn developed the concept into what is now the Transforming Trash Artist-in-Residence Program. Olmsted County proudly serves as the program’s host and initial funding partner for its 2026 pilot year. This collaboration between local government and the arts represents a rare and powerful partnership, one that demonstrates how creativity can drive environmental change, connect communities, and inspire new ways of thinking about what we throw away.
About the residency
The Transforming Trash Artist-in-Residence Program provides paid opportunities for artists to create public artworks using at least 90% reclaimed materials from the Olmsted County Recycling Center.
- Two artists will be selected for one-month residencies in 2026 (between May- September).
- Artists will receive $2,500 stipends, lodging, studio space, tools, and supplemental materials of $500 or less.
- Artists will have access to all materials at the Olmsted County Recycling Center.
- Projects may be large- or small-scale, an outdoor or indoor installation/exhibition and must be created from.
- 90% recycled materials. Artwork will be installed at public sites such as galleries, parks, trails, arts-organizations, or government buildings.
- Artist will help track how much and what kind of recycling material that is being diverted from the waste stream. Each artist will have an unveiling event or exhibition opening, as well as host a community engagement event (e.g., workshops, open studios, or talks).
Goals
- Empower artists & enrich public spaces - Provide paid opportunities for artists to expand their practice while creating works that reflect community values of creativity and sustainability.
- Promote sustainability & environmental education - Showcase the potential of reclaimed materials, educate the public about recycling and circular design, and track waste diverted from the landfill.
- Strengthen community partnerships & engagement - Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and residents to expand resources and connect the public with artists and county resources.
How to be involved
- Apply to be an artist-in-residency for 2026. Application opens December 1, 2026.
- Join any of our community engagement events, workshops, open studios, and unveiling events.
- Donate or lease us your tools/materials. A list will be posted for what each artist needs for their project.
- Donate to the program.
- Propose new locations for installations and exhibitions.
Learn more
Have questions or interested in partnering with Transforming Trash? Email us at TransformingTrashAiR@gmail.com. Learn more about the Transforming Trash Artist-in-Residence Program on the official program website.