Projects

Projects

Art | Sustainability | Community Engagement

I create projects that merge public art with environmental awareness, using reclaimed materials to inspire creativity, conversation, and action. My work focuses on sustainability, waste reduction, and community engagement, fostering meaningful connections through art. Below are some key projects that highlight my approach.

Upstream Together

A large-scale installation co-created with students from the Science and Math Institute (SAMI), featuring hundreds of carp streamers (Koinobori) made from reclaimed materials. Inspired by the resilience of salmon swimming upstream, this project symbolizes perseverance and environmental stewardship. It has been displayed at multiple sustainability-themed events, including the South Sound Sustainability Expo and the Ground to Sound Film & Art Festival.

The installation at the Ground to Sound Film Festival consisted of dozens of Koinobori streamers, made from upcycled materials such as reusable shopping bags, which often contain plastic fibers.
Students from SAMI begin construction of the dragon heads, using recycled cardboard and other materials diverted from the landfill.
A dragon head comes to life after a nice coat of creativity.
Students from SAMI share their dragon creations. Each dragon (12 total) represents a different ecological challenge. The dragons will later parade through the South Sound Sustainability Expo.

Entangled

A woven sculpture created from plastic netting and produce bags, Entangled illustrates the interconnectedness of people, waste systems, and environmental responsibility. This installation was first exhibited at Kaleidoscope, Tacoma Arts Month’s Opening Party, and will be featured at the Solid Waste Recycling Facility in October 2025.

Plastic produce bag netting transforms into weaveable material to create Entangled, a large scale upcycled fabric spider web, that demonstrates the complexity of our interconnectedness to our environment and issues.
A friend plays in the various strips of produce bag netting.
The web starts to take shape outside of Teruko's work station, located at the Solid Waste facility in Tacoma.
Students from SAMI take a break to visit the Solid Waste station and the completed web.

Community Weaving Project

A fiber arts initiative inviting the community to collectively weave and reflect on sustainability, connection, and resourcefulness. This project has been featured at workshops, environmental events, and sustainability conversations, reinforcing how creative reuse can bring people together.

Featured at the T-Town City Services Expo & Job Fair and other community events in Tacoma, the Community Weaving project, which integrates materials diverted from the landfill such as microplastic-laden produce bags and old clothing as a fabric into the circular design.
One of the Community Weaving Project weavings, at rest in Teruko's studio at the Solid Waste Division.

Extended Family Table

A sculptural piece highlighting Tacoma’s Deconstruction Initiative, exploring themes of reuse, history, and resource conservation. This artwork was made from salvaged table legs collected directly from the landfill, transforming discarded materials into a symbol of shared community and sustainability.

Stray Sock Sculptures

An interactive project addressing fast fashion waste, inviting the public to creatively repurpose lost or discarded socks into sculptures. Featured at the South Sound Sustainability Expo, this project encourages conversations about consumption and textile waste.

Tidy Up Bin Wraps & Stencils (Work in Progress)

A public art and awareness project examining personal waste and visual storytelling through custom-designed bin wraps and stencil art. This initiative encourages residents to rethink their waste habits through creative interventions in public spaces.

Bringing Art & Sustainability Together

Each of these projects reflects a deep commitment to creative reuse, environmental awareness, and community collaboration. Through public installations, workshops, and large-scale events, my work helps reframe waste as an opportunity for artistic exploration and sustainability education.

Want to collaborate or learn more? Get in touch or follow along on [social media] for updates on upcoming projects and exhibitions.