Enter the Trash Collective: The WasteShed’s Artist-in-Residence Program
The WasteShed’s Trash Collective Artist Residencies focus on visual art to promote environmental justice and creative community. Our network of artists have an existing “upcycle” focus in their work, and a Chicago focus or strong local connection. The program helps artists make new connections with other artists, youth, and members of the public interested in making sustainable culture part of their practice.
Our first two Artists-in-Residence were funded in part by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund.
Gregory “Goyo” Diaz
Our first Trash Collective Artist-In Residence was Gregory Diaz, a self-taught artist working primarily in wire and found objects. During his residency in The WasteShed’s classroom space in May and June of 2024, he worked on an evolving installation in the large classroom window that is visible from the Bloomingdale Trail, a popular biking and walking path and park.
Diaz also created two exterior flower planter boxes to frame the workshop window, using discarded crates from the tile company where he works.
Diaz was born and raised in Humboldt Park and has strong roots in the area, a majority Black/Latinx neighborhood which is subject to intense pressure from gentrification. Diaz generally works on his small, vivacious wire characters during his CTA commute to work, and he was excited to expand a primarily pocket-sized art practice to the larger scale and almost unlimited materials available through The WasteShed’s artist residency.
Via Diaz, “I would like to leave my footprint in and around the space, looking to get some community involved with the graffiti artists across the street and working off the 606 Trail.”
During his residency, Diaz had art displayed in two local exhibits; “It’s All Love for Humboldt Park,” a fundraiser for Humboldt Park Magazine, and “Home Not Home” at Pilsen Arts and Community House. He also represented The WasteShed and the Trash Collective Artist Residency at the Logan Square Art Fest, a 3-day event that attracts thousands of visitors every year, and which The WasteShed’s small team didn’t have the bandwidth to table at without his assistance.
Video by Tanya Bermudez of Greg Diaz’s wire art workshop
Diaz hosted a wire face pin workshop, to teach people how to apply his wire character construction techniques to a small wearable art piece. This workshop was attended by several teachers who were interested in introducing his techniques to their classes; Diaz’s playful, cartoony work is accessible and very engaging for children.
He also taught a workshop for families to create a shadow box diorama from a cigar box for Fathers Day; two local families attended. We extended his residency through August to allow him to teach a few more classes, and to show his finished work at our partnership with Battle 4 the City 2024, a street art event and block party that took place next to The WasteShed’s Kimball Ave location, running a pop-up art table along with our outreach volunteers.
Greg Diaz showing off his work and his Trash Collective shirt at Battle 4 The City
“Gregory was very loose in his instruction allowing each student to truly create a unique piece. How refreshing! He still took time with each and every student while creating a piece of his own, working along side us. He offered various media for us to use and encouraged us to make a piece entirely our own. I’m proud of my wire piece and intend to make more.” -Gloria, workshop participant
"Greg's first workshop (wire pin faces) was WONDERFUL! I'm trying to rearrange my schedule to go to [his August workshop] too!" -Anna, workshop participant
Norma Diotzinantzin Rios-Sierra
Norma Rios-Sierra (right) with some pleased workshop participants
Norma Rios-Sierra, our second artist-in-residence, moved into the residency space in late November. Rios-Sierra’s work consists of stained glass and mosaics and is often inspired by her experience as a Mexican immigrant. Rios-Sierra grew up in the Humboldt Park/Logan Square neighborhood, and her art, activism, and cultural sensitivity reflects her upbringing and heritage. Rios-Sierra’s most recent work embodies community, unity and the idea that we all belong and deserve to feel welcome and safe.
“The Wasteshed has been an instrumental part of my journey as an artist. When I first started teaching, sourcing materials from The Wasteshed made it possible for me to provide affordable classes to my community. I am always grateful for the space to share my skills and love partnering with The Wasteshed to provide fun and creative experiences.
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Rios-Sierra’s first workshop made traditional Mexican Nichos, a Central and South American “diorama” that evokes spirituality, and dates back to the Spanish colonial period. Traditionally, nichos are made from upcycled and repurposed household items; this workshop used aluminum soda cans. As she instructed participants on how to craft a nicho, she also described the cultural significance and impact that nichos have on creating sacred spaces and protecting one’s self and family.
Rios-Sierra’s also led a demonstration of how to craft repujado ornaments. “Repujado” meaning ‘embossed” is another traditional folk art practiced in Central and South America using scrap tin and aluminum. Because tin is light and easily manipulated, it can be used to create intricate relief patterns and shapes.
“I appreciated the learning curve for this workshop. Often, I find that arts and crafts workshops could be either really too easy or highly specific and difficult. This one was a good combination of new and interesting while still being accessible.”
-Katie, workshop participant, Repujado ornaments
Our artist residency and low-cost workshop programs are supported by fundraising and donations!
Donate today to help us continue these programs!