Local Artists Turn Trash Into Treasures in Northshore Trashformation Exhibit
The City of Slidell and Leadership Northshore are excited to announce the winners of Northshore Trashformation, an innovative new art exhibit that challenges artists to turn litter into works of art.
The winners of four different categories were announced during the exhibit’s opening reception on Friday, Sept. 18, at the George Dunbar Gallery in Slidell City Hall.
L to R: Dania Fandal, Dr. Bob, Mayor Randy Fandal
Northshore Trashformation is an eco-art initiative, using art as a catalyst for change. The project turns an environmental challenge into an opportunity for education, engagement and long-term sustainability throughout St. Tammany Parish. The exhibit features artwork created from litter and unused materials collected by participating artists and is designed to transform how the community sees litter.
Dr. Bob, a renowned New Orleans folk artist whose signature BE NICE OR LEAVE signs have become a popular part of the area’s culture, served as the juror for the exhibit. Susan Russell, Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, presented the awards.
Cindy Strecker
Youth Individual
- Honorable Mention: Treasures We Should Not Have Found, Maren Thibodeaux
- Third Place: Night Time in the Garden, Lyra D’Aquin
- Second Place, $50: The Waterfall, Clara Smith
- First Place, $100: Mad Scientist, Koen Morris
Youth Team
- Honorable Mention: Chrysalides, Montessori Moments Students
- Third Place: Rainbow Tub Color, Montessori Moments Students
- Second Place, $200: Untitled, St. Tammany Jr. High Students
- First Place, $100: Untitled, Clearwood Jr. High Students
Lori Anselmo
Adult Individual
- Honorable Mention: Poof!, Jo Green
- Honorable Mention: Steam Punk Hummingbird from Trash to Treasure, Lori Anselmo
- Third Place: C-PUP, Kim Bergeron
- Second Place, $100: August 17-29, 2026 USPS, Tanya DiMaggio
- First Place, $300: Resurrection, J.R. Welch
Adult Team
- Third Place: SS Synch, members of Slidell Synch
- Second Place, $200: Basil, Charlotte Collins and LaNelle Landry
- First Place, $500: Building Futures: The Gator We Gathered, Northshore Technical College Students
L to R: Nelle Landry and Charlotte Collins
The prize money awarded to the winning artists was raised by Leadership Northshore’s Team Trashformation through fundraising initiatives. The funds raised helped support the competition and recognize the artists who participated in the exhibit.
Other participating artists in Northshore Trashformation include Kristin Anderson, Emily Binder Barger, Rebecca Blache, Larry Bridevaux, Chasity DeJean, Charles Gudaitis, Carol Hutcherson, Shane Kraft, Charlotte Lowry Collins, Kara Marx, Ashley Mannino, Tammy Morris, Karah Morris, Emory Moring, Ava Palermo, Lillian Range, Joanne Ruffino, Lizzie Shelby, Krystal Shemack, Claire Sitton, Cindy Strecker, Olivia Varisco, and Amelie Zamora.
“I want to congratulate all of the artists who participated in this exhibit and thank the Northshore Trashformation team for organizing this unique event. They took a serious issue facing our community and found a creative way to bring people together to help address it,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and that is definitely the case with Northshore Trashformation. I invite everyone to come see how these artists turned trash into treasured artwork.”
Northshore Trashformation worked with the Olde Towne Arts Commission and the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs to engage artists and assist with planning the exhibit. Additional support came from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Keep Slidell Beautiful, which partnered on cleanup days and provided financial support.
L to R: Susan Russell, Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful; and Mayor Fandal
Leadership Northshore is a development program that brings together emerging and established leaders from the area to build relationships, strengthen connections and create a lasting impact in the community. Each class works collaboratively on projects designed to address local needs and inspire positive change throughout the Northshore.
The Northshore Trashformation Team includes Amy Anderson, Lisa Bartels, Julie Brooks, George Dupuis, Kisha Gant, Cynthia Flowers, Rachel Litchliter and Kerri Soo, with mentors Glen Boyer and Sandy Swartz.
Northshore Trashformation will remain on display through Oct. 22, 2026, at the George Dunbar Gallery, located at 2055 Second Street in Slidell City Hall.
Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Same-day appointments are available by calling the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Admission is free and open to the public.
For more information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com, follow the “City of Slidell” on Facebook and Instagram, or call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.
