Enjoy a sustainable gallery full of art created by environmentally focused youth!

Presented by the Pittsburgh Youth Leaders in Sustainability Network from Carnegie Mellon University’s Sustainability Initiative and the Youth Climate Advocacy Committee from Phipps Conservatory, Metamorphosis: A Youth Sustainable Art and Fashion Exhibit is now open in Phipps' Center for Sustainable Landscapes. This gallery displays winning pieces from The Metamorphosis exhibition created by youth ages 12 - 26. To fit the theme, "our backgrounds, cultures and unique stories shape our worldview," participants were instructed to create a piece of art that reflected how their personal journey allows them to maintain hope and reimagine sustainability.

Sustainable art and fashion are forms of creative expression intentionally constructed in ways that do not harm the environment. They often address topics like climate change, environmental concerns, and social justice. Materials are recycled, salvaged, repurposed, or sustainably produced, coming from local or nearby sources. Through best practices, we can work toward making our art and fashion habits more sustainable while still cultivating a unique sense of style and expression. These best practices can include buying second-hand, recycling and upcycling materials, and supporting local businesses. The youth who organized the Metamorphosis event are very passionate about encouraging other youth to implement sustainable fashion and art tips and tricks in their creative work. In addition to Metamorphosis, they also hosted a workshop for youth to learn about sustainable art and fashion with guest instructor Imani Batts from Catherine Trendz LLC. This workshop provided a space for young people to work on their art and fashion projects and learn from experts and each other.

Moorkan Ilias Kyzy, Kurmanjan Datka movie poster: A tribute to Kurmanjan Datka, the legendary tribal leader who defied societal expectations to unite her people, this piece honors her strength, wisdom, and dedication. Her story inspires resilience and leadership, reminding women that they can rise above limitations to shape history with courage and determination.

Suanna Zhong, Katya: In an effort to recreate the solace found in natural phenomena and the nostalgia growing up in California, Suanna rendered this painting from a photograph of dear friend, Katya, in a field located in Mount Tamalpais, California.

Vicky Y., Detritus: In a world constantly churning out bright colors and fast fashion, Vicky chose to scale down to a neutral, earthen palette and a selection of unwanted paper bags, handmade top and jewelry, and scraps of material, salvaged from around her college campus. She reclaims the aesthetics of decay: frayed edges, brittle textures, muted browns, by creating from what others overlook.

Angelita Marcelino, Capitulate: This piece explores the tension between surrender and resistance in the face of death. Inspired by Ophelia, the obscured kneeling figure invites reflection on the human relationship to nature, loss, and transformation.

Khyronessa Avotri, Waters Plastic Ripple: Khyronessa was born in a city bordered by beautiful beaches and has always had a deep love for the ocean. Her piece encourages us to reflect on our impact on the environment with each ripple of the dress symbolizing the beauty of our oceans and the pollution they face. Her classmates collected over 100 water bottles, which her mother helped cut, and Agnes Bitz donated the aluminum can tabs. Khyronessa’s goal was to minimize waste and create an example of how we can make a difference.

Vanessa Anne Legeza, C6: Reflecting on scientific breakthroughs and environmental management, the piece contrasts past discoveries with the ongoing challenge of sustainability. Through symbolic imagery of a bee and the tension between progress and waste, the work invites reflection on the impact of science and technology on the natural world.

Jessica Wu, Painting with Phipps Flowers: This dress showcases the art of flower pounding, where Jessica transferred the vibrant pigments of flowers collected from Phipps Conservatory onto fabric sourced from a creative reuse center. Jessica wants to be sure to give a big thanks to the Phipps team who provided the flowers, especially Jess Horenstein who showed patience and support.

Sidney Rice, Alice Dress & Queen of Hearts Dress: Inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, Sidney recognized that one dress simply couldn't capture the magic of this tale. The “Alice Dress” draws from the gown worn by Alice in the film, while the “Queen of Hearts Dress” shows off the elegance of Victorian-era fashion. Both gowns showcase Sidney's commitment to sustainability. Sidney Rice's pieces combine sustainability and the memories from a timeless fairy tale!

Mimi Chuang, Sunspots: Through a series of stories, this anthology explores our responsibility to live sustainably by reimagining the natural world as a reciprocal relationship. Aiming to spark hope in the face of climate change, the work encourages empowerment and collective action for a more sustainable future.

Oscar Schneider, Rainbow Cape: This cape represents not only sustainability but also family bonds. It was Inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns around Ozzie with multiple pieces of previously worn clothing and fabric scraps used to bring this vision to life. Towards the bottom of the cape, you'll find fabric featuring rockets and space robots, leftovers from the crib skirt his grandma made for Ozzie’s birth. With the help of Grandma Linda Pretz, Ozzie was able to connect with family and present the “Rainbow Cape”.

Kaycee F. Stiemke, Rosa: symbolizing growth and renewal, the piece reflects the journey from a place of disconnection to a vibrant new environment. Like spring breaking through winter, it highlights the beauty of nature, community, and the sustaining power of shared experiences.

Leila Barber, Sea of Garbage: Created with over 2,000 recycled bottle caps, this piece raises awareness about plastic pollution and its impact on climate change. By repurposing discarded caps, it gives new life to materials that might have otherwise ended up in the ocean. This work encourages others to transform waste into art, inspiring action against environmental harm and fostering a more sustainable approach to waste.

Metamorphosis will be on display in Phipps Center for Sustainable Landscapes until Sun., Sept. 14.

Photos © Kitoko Chargois, Phipps Staff