Junk Mail: From Debris to Design

published Feb 26, 2008
Junk Mail From Debris to Design
As a part of its dedication to the environment, Academy of Art University has incorporated "green" and sustainable practices not only into its curriculum, but also into its facilities and services.

The Academy held Junk Mail: From Debris to Design at 79 Gallery featuring a cross-section of environmental art, ranging from larger than life-size sculptures to fashion designs.

Impassioned by the goal of the Bay Area Recycling Outreach Coalition (BayROC) to stop junk mail, students from the Academy of Art University's fashion school, fine art school, graphic design school and industrial design school have imaginative artworks across a variety of mediums using junk mail from San Francisco mailboxes.

Two sculptures titled Crush and The Mailbox Monster evoke the waste inherent to America's vast junk mail production and distribution.

MFA Sculpture students conceived Crush, a larger-than-life portrait of an individual who has the power to block junk mail.

BFA Sculpture students emphasize the importance of looking beyond just recycling junk mail and propose creative, environmental solutions with The Mailbox Monster.

"These students are committed to changes for positive growth within their community, bringing their own spirit of humor and invention to a project with possible far-reaching environmental impact, above and beyond the existent requirements of their coursework," said Associate Director of Fine Art Sculpture Margaret Keelan.