In a move that merges environmental awareness with the innovative sphere of digital art, Karl Erickson, a Rhodes College associate professor of art, has received a $7,500 grant from Tri-Star Arts. The award, part of the Regional Regranting Program of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, supports Erickson's unique project, “A River of Trash-Puppets.”
Driven by his focus on environmentalism and transformative experiences, Erickson plans to clean up the area around the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers—not for the sake of sparkling water alone, but to turn the collected waste into puppet-sculptures with a digital twist. In a statement released by Rhodes College's news page, he explained that the sculptures fashioned from river trash will be digitized and will "sing, dance, and tell stories of their unexpected journeys along the rivers." The aim is to cast a spotlight on the often-overlooked narrative of human-induced material entwined with nature.
Tri-Star Arts, established in 2014, pledges to support visual artists in Tennessee who engage the public through unorthodox and conversation-prompting artworks. Erickson's initiative fits right within this mission, as it intends to prompt discourse on environmental issues. Making strides towards both artistic and ecological commentary, Erickson's project does not just revolve around digital puppetry but also incorporates critical scientific insights. He is reaching out to scientific and environmental communities for collaboration to ensure his digital creations are backed by accurate scientific data and enriched by real-world environmental impact.
Erickson told Rhodes College that his interactions with local environmentalists and scientists would add substantial depth to his work. "These interactions will shape both the scientific accuracy and conceptual depth of the work," he said. Fully understanding material flows, including how plastics navigate through water currents or how invasive species impact local ecosystems, Erickson will embed these insights into the fabric of the storytelling animated puppets. Art, in the hands of Erickson, becomes a mediator between human activity and environmental change, poised to create a meaningful conversation.
To share the development process, Erickson has slated the creation of a zine documenting his digital puppetry journey, extending the experience to the public with a “how-to” guide. This guide aims to instill in others the ability to replicate Erickson's approach, fostering a community-driven push towards recognizing and rectifying the environmental issues at our doorsteps. The grant period extends through May 2026, providing Erickson ample time to cultivate this innovative fusion of art, technology, and environmentalism.
