In order to demonstrate how art can be used to raise awareness of critical issues facing our community, Alissa Alfonso created an installation of various works of art using recycled and upcycled materials, including jellyfish made from 100% recycled materials, fused plastic collages, upcycled vintage lamps with handmade soft sculpture lamp shades and upcycled fabric collages. Alissa was inspired to create this installation after seeing the alarming number of plastics and other materials we use in everyday life that are not readily recyclable or reusable. Our reliance on plastics and other packaging is creating an enormous amount of trash that typically ends up in a landfill or as pollution contaminating our precious resources such as our beaches and waterways. The exhibit raises awareness of the importance of upcycling and recycling in innovative ways to help create a sustainable community that protects and preserves the environment. By combining her background in collage and sewing, Alissa creates fabric collages, upcycled lamps with soft sculpture shades and large scale art installations which emphasize the splendor of the natural world and the importance of mitigating our impact on the environment to leave the world a better place for future generations.