This month, people everywhere recognized World Health Day and International Earth Day.

There are a number of artists in our local community who work primarily with materials they have either found or purchased from creative reuse centers like ReCreative Denver. As these artists create remarkable pieces of work, they’re also helping our planet by reducing the waste that goes into our landfills.

We spoke to 3 of these artists who celebrate the Earth every day in their creations. They each share why eco-friendly artwork is important to them and what keeps them motivated to keep creating.

Jennifer Hendrick (she/her) is the artist behind GrimePanda and the person who will greet you with a warm hug, bright smile, and hearty laugh every time you see her. She’s been with the ReCreative family since the early days — as a studio resident, collaborator, and friend.

Kelly Angryberger (she/her) is a ceramicist and educator who is upping the clay game around RCD. Through serendipitous moments and meetings, she joined the ReCreative family over a year ago. You can find her throwing pottery in her studio when she’s not teaching art to rowdy middle schoolers.

Holly Harrison (she/her) is a fiber artist and collector of vintage and cast-off textiles — and the stories that accompany them. She constructs and deconstructs the colors, textures, and imperfections that were once part of someone else’s beloved stash.

Jessica Polzin (she/her) is an artist of many talents. Her works span across fiber arts, fashion design, illustration, painting, macrame, and styling. She even makes insanely awesome puppets, which you’ve surely seen in action if you follow Headroom Sessions.

As a member of ReCreative’s board, Mara Rose Higgins (she/her) brings innovative vision and brilliant ideas to the table. As a studio artist and designer, she lights up the building with her creativity and passion for the arts community.

Andrea Dolter (she/her) started with ReCreative as a volunteer in 2018. Her artwork was on show at the ReCreative gallery in March 2020. In 2021 she joined ReCreative as a studio space resident where she co-operates Hell & Rats Vintage Collective and offers clothing repair services under the name To Hell & Back.

Carol Angel is the heart and soul of the volunteer program at ReCreative. Not long after we opened our doors, Carol met up with our founder, Emily, to donate some of her loved creative items. After learning about ReCreative’s mission and vision, she felt compelled to get involved.

As the co-founder of ReCreative Denver and Seattle ReCreative, Emily Korson (she/her) is the rock of our organization. On top of spearheading ReCreative’s efforts, she’s also an artist and art educator.