TRASH
The Recology Artstart Student Hub
The Recology Artstart Student Hub (TRASH) is an art program that offers a unique opportunity for student artists in Sonoma and Marin counties to expand their existing creative practice by working with materials that would have otherwise been sent to the landfill, creating an impactful body of work. The program runs from June 15th to July 29h, 2026.
TRASH
2026 Public Events
It’s Not Trash: Reclaiming and Transforming
Opening Reception:
Thursday, September 17, 5:30-7:30 pm
Exhibition Dates:
September 17 - October 24, 2026
Petaluma Art Center
230 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 (map)
Link: Learn more + RSVP here
A Partnership in Action: This exhibition is a community partnership with the Recology Artist-in-Residence Program, San Francisco; Petaluma's Reuse Alliance; and the Recology Artstart Student Hub (TRASH). Curator: Lisa Lightman
Beautiful TRASH Grand Reveal Reception
Thursday, August 27
4:30-6:30 pm
Herold Mahoney Library Gallery
SRJC Petaluma Campus
680 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy, Petaluma, CA 94954
Everyone is welcome to celebrate with us!Finished work by the TRASH '26 residency cohort will be exhibited in the gallery throughout the fall semester.
TRASH Talk, the program video (2025)
The residency
Inspired by Recology’s Artist in Residence Program in San Francisco, TRASH encourages the conservation of natural resources while inspiring artists and art viewers to think about habits of consumption, waste disposal, and sustainability. TRASH is a juried program that selects five student artists (age 15-25) for the Summer art residency.
Those selected will have access to the Recology Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Santa Rosa, and using the trash collected, they will create a body of artwork at Arstart, conveniently located next door to the MRF. At the conclusion of the program, the artwork will be shown in exhibitions and public venues that serve to promote the artists, as well as the importance of reuse and recycling for our planet.
Program components
Summer Residency
Five selected artists will engage in a seven-week focused residency from June 15th - July 29th 2026.
Days & Hours
Days and hours will be similar to the 2025 cohorts' schedule: 9 am-2 pm on Mondays, Tuesdasy and Wednesdays.
Location
Artists will have creative space to work, as well as professional mentorship at the Artstart studio, located at 317 Sutton Place, Santa Rosa, CA, with access to the Recology MRF next door.
Resource Access
Artists will have access to the Recology Materials Recovery Facility, located directly next to the Artstart studio.
Communication
Opportunities may arise for artists to present their work and process to public tour groups during the residency period.
Exhibitions
After the residency concludes, the artwork is scheduled to be featured at the Harold Mahoney Library Gallery at SRJC Petaluma.
Artwork Ownership
The artists will own the works they create, and can sell their artwork.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 25. Applicants must be current residents of Sonoma or Marin Counties. Artists must submit the TRASH application to be considered for the program.
Free Facility Tour (recommended)
To gain perspective and inspiration, applicants are encouraged to take a tour of Recology Sonoma Marin in Santa Rosa, anytime prior to submitting their application. Register: www.Recology.com/RSMMRF
Free Facility Tour (recommended)
To gain perspective and inspiration, applicants are encouraged to take a tour of Recology Sonoma Marin in Santa Rosa, anytime prior to submitting their application. Register: www.Recology.com/RSMMRF
Selection process
A jury composed of representatives from Recology Sonoma Marin and Artstart will review all applications, conduct interviews, and determine which artists will be selected.