Smooth sounds provided by DJ Norton Rodriguez, drinks and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Chef Petey helped relax and release the “inner child” of those attending the ReThink and ReUse Center’s first Green Ball on October 13 in the Art + Design District.

Environmental awareness permeated the party as those attending laughed and exhibited with pride their artful creations made from recyclable materials such as zippers, wood, fabric, cardboard tubes, tiny bottles, pearls, and gold and silver leaf. There was quite a buzz with the questions of the night: ”what and where is this from and what was it used for?” The walls were awash with beautiful and innovative art by local artist: Carson Case, Bill Stahl, Tomas Loewy, Daniel Fiorda, Charo Oquett who all use found objects as part of their medium.

The Green Ball is grateful to the following businesses who contributed to make the night a success: Dacra, hi-gloss advertising + marketing design, Tony Martinez photography, Neoteric Home, Resource4floors, Alan Solis for Belvedere Vodka and Hennessy Cognac, Raul Suarez of Premier Beverage, Sweet Suzy Confections and Superior Party Rentals.

The ReThink and ReUse Center collects clean reusable materials from businesses that would be discarded and thrown into landfills. The materials are stored and redistributed to teachers, parents and children to experience learning through play using found objects while encouraging community-wide ecological responsibility.