Money. Earth. Jealousy. Recycling. The word “green” has a lot of different connotations – so many, in fact, that the word inspired one Chippewa Valley artist to organize a Green Multimedia Art Show at the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center. The show will feature the work of more than 15 local artists; all of it will be based on their individual interpretations of the word “green.”

“Green is big right now. The whole thing is, ‘what are we going to do to save the world?’” said painter and ECRAC Visual Arts Committee member Cyndee Kaiser, who has worked with the theatre for 15 years and came up with the idea for the show. “Now, is this show going to save the world? No. But if it opens people’s eyes up and we start thinking … well, planting those seeds of understanding is important.”

The committee began planning the show six months ago. Interested artists were provided with a brief explanation of the show and a deadline, then left to do their work. In other words, Kaiser and the rest of the committee members have no idea what kind of work will be submitted for the show.

“I’m hoping that we get a good cross-section,” said Kaiser. “I know we’re going to get a lot of art with a recycling theme, but there are so many other interpretations. All I’m telling people is that they should expect the unexpected.”

Eau Claire resident Roger Adams is one of the artists whose work will be featured at the show. Considered by many to be a “scavenging folk artist” – a true complement to him – Adams has spent the past 20 of his almost 70 years creating unique pieces out of everyday garbage: Sculptures made out of dryer lint and plaster of paris, furniture carved from tree stumps and old driftwood, and freestanding creations made out of recycled stained glass, silverware, various metals, and anything else that catches his eye during trips to local thrift sales. Adams is also an accomplished painter and wood carver.

    As you might have guessed, Adams’ work will represent the environmental aspect of “green.”

“I fish for the things I use to create, and it’s all philosophical,” said Adams, a retired social studies teacher whose work often carries specific messages. “I think the green movement is the only movement that we can survive with. … It’s all about creating something out of nothing, and that’s exactly what I try to do.”

Other participating artists include Daniel Atyim, Laurie Bieze, Clayton Brice, David Brock, Kristin Gjerdset, Lisa Hackwith, Kaiser, Amy Krause, Jill Olm, Kathy Seitz, Terri Shewczyk, and Chris Yocca.

“A lot can be said about being exposed to good local art,” Kaiser said. “I just want people’s eyes to be opened up and have them say, ‘Wow. I didn’t realize how many talented, interesting people lived around me!’”

    Green Multimedia Art Show. Jan. 8 to Jan. 30 at Eau Claire Regional Arts Center, 316 Eau Claire St., open 9 am to 4:30 pm. Artists reception Jan. 15 from 6 to 7:30 pm.