The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) hosted its first art scavenger walk in the Navy Yard on April 25, as part of the exhibition “Finders Keepers” at the Eye Street Gallery. Curated by Ira Tattelman and Kanchan Balse, the show features 15 artists who transform discarded objects into art, celebrating environmental sustainability and community engagement. Participants joined a two-hour scavenger hunt to collect trash treasures and create mini sculptures, with the event tied to Earth Month and the tradition of found art dating back to Marcel Duchamp.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the growing relevance of found art and sustainability in contemporary visual art, making art accessible to the public through a free, interactive event. By turning trash into art and involving the local community, “Finders Keepers” underscores the role of artists in addressing environmental issues and fostering creative reuse. The event also supports local artists and aims to become an annual tradition, strengthening DC's cultural landscape and community bonds.