What comes to mind with the word “trash” is brought up? Litter cluttering city streets? Maybe someone saying something derogatory? What about a chance for a second life, turning something old into something brand new?
The latter was the idea behind the Mattress Factory‘s annual signature-themed fundraiser held on June 9th. Guests at the 21+ costume garden party, titled Trash Bash, were challenged to contemplate the idea of metamorphosis and dress with found materials from the junk drawer to the recycling bin and beyond. There was someone wearing a water jug as a sort of helmet/hat. A skirt made out of a trash bag and water bottles. Plenty of duct tape and plastic grocery bags made an appearance too.
The theme extended to the artwork up for auction, where local artists were commissioned to create work that was transformed and/or inspired by thrifted items. With our oceans filling with waste like The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and wildfires burning out of control, every step to bring sustainability to the forefront of our minds is crucial. But it doesn’t always have to be serious, and the Mattress Factory’s Garden Trash Bash was an excellent reminder of that. The event was a hotbed for creativity grounded in sustainability — with all the proceeds going to the museum, helping keep the local hub for originality and artistry alive and available for Pittsburghers and more.
If you attended the event, share your innovative outfits with us on Instagram at @tablemagazine_westernpa. We’d love to see your creations.
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