Host Alyssa Kail takes over the OPA Instagram account for a live discussion with guest Elizabeth Chin Start.

The Intersection of Art and Environmentalism

Alyssa Kail and Elizabeth Chin Start are former colleagues at a Creative Reuse non-profit in Portland, Oregon. Their discussion will focus on the role of material reuse and waste reduction in relation to environmental sustainability, as well as how discarded materials and environmental concepts inspire Elizabeth’s consultation work and creative practice.

About Alyssa Kail

Alyssa Kail is a multidisciplinary visual artist and urban agriculturalist currently based in Braddock, PA. She currently works as the Garden Sustainability Coordinator with Grow Pittsburgh, supporting community gardens in the region. She earned a B.A from the University of Pittsburgh in Environmental Studies and an M.F.A. from Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) and Oregon College of Art & Craft (OCAC) in Portland, Oregon in Applied Craft + Design. Alyssa is co-founder of Camp Copeland Studio, a small batch producer of handcrafted home goods and decor.

About Elizabeth Chin Start

Elizabeth Chin Start has worked in sustainable materials management for over 19 years, with a focus on materials reuse, waste prevention, recycling and waste. She is the Principal Consultant at Start Consulting Group sharing her expertise and spotlighting the intersection of sustainability
and racial equity. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to create art from discarded and reclaimed materials, especially bicycle tires and doll parts, as well as littered items found on walks. She enjoys time with her family and volunteering in her local community.