North Hill Arts

2025 UpCycled Environmental Install, Maverick, Burien, WA

Exhibition Dates: October-January 2026

Artist Statement: Olena Perry

The Community Nextdoor is an upcycled installation that interprets a brief yet dynamic moment within the waters of Puget Sound. The work captures thirty seconds of concentrated marine activity, where diverse species coexist in the depths, embodying both movement and stillness.

The installation reflects the intricate relationships and interactions that sustain marine ecosystems — the balance between habitat, species, and the unseen rhythms of the underwater environment. By reimagining this fragment of ocean life, the work invites viewers to consider their own connections to place, community, and the natural world.

Through this constructed vision, inspired by Puget Sound, I encourage reflection on the interdependence of living systems and the creative potential of reimagining materials, reminding us that art can emerge from everyday objects and processes.

Materials

Jellyfish: upcycled flower baskets, hand dyed and felted wool.

Crabs: Felted wool blankets from garage sales, fleece from thrifting.

Fabric Fish: Hand drawn, carved blockprints on old bed sheets.

Paper fish: Hand drawn, carved block prints on scraps of watercolor paper.

Blue Fabric: Upcycled and hand dyed nylon on catering hot dish frames.

Blue Towers: Last year’s tomato cages with tied nylon.

THANK YOU!

Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services for the opportunity!

Alisa Savage, Arts Coordinator- for all the support and communication.

Dave Lacey, husband: for all the love while I built this crazy install in the living room and all the load in help.

Kim Graham: for co-building the jellyfish and figuring out how to pattern a giant crab!

Aksel & Torryn: for continuous inspiration in discovering the magic of crabs and the beaches of the PNW.