Philadelphia, Pa — The Philadelphia Dumpster Divers use upcycled materials in their work. The group has been meeting monthly for 33 years.

“The group started in 1992,” states Lenny Davidson, Co-Founder of the Philadelphia Dumpster Divers. “The guy who co-founded it with me, Neil Benson, was well-known for diving into dumpsters.” Davidson explains that the group was initially called the “Dumpster Diners” since their first gathering took place in a diner. “There were about six of us, and we had a fantastic time,” he recalls. “And we decided, ‘let’s keep doing this.'” Over time, the group expanded. “And I love what it has turned into,” he adds. Although the name has evolved, the Dumpster Divers meetings continue to feature food, camaraderie, and, naturally, treasure hunts. “We just bring boxes of items, and during the meeting, we go through them and take what catches our fancy,” shares Cole.

“Our newest member is eight years old, and membership is by invitation only,” says Sally Willowbee, a found object artist with the Philadelphia Dumpster Divers. “Everyone’s so unique.” Willowbee notes the meetings are social but also provide mutual support. They frequently collaborate on group shows. She mentions she joined about 20 years ago. “I’m a woodworker by trade. I earned my living crafting kitchen cabinets and cabinetry, mostly built-ins along with some furniture, and I added found objects to these,” explains Willowbee. She integrated old sewing machine drawers into a TV stand and utilized glass bottles on a bookshelf she created. Willowbee appreciates the group’s encouragement to “create whatever I wished” and considers it “really important” to her. “I’ve met wonderful, eccentric individuals,” she remarks.

Carol Cole is one of 15 artists featured at the newly renovated Creative Philadelphia Art Gallery at City Hall. She has two works displayed, including a piece titled “to the point.” “This is ‘Made and Remade – The Art of the Philadelphia Dumpster Divers,’ and this exhibition truly celebrates imagination,” articulates Tu Huynh, Curator of Exhibitions and Programs for Creative Philadelphia.

“Trash is stuff that people just get rid of,” says Cole. “I just treat the found things as beautiful objects.” She says she hopes her work, and the exhibition, “changes the way people see trash.”