ESI (Environmental Sculpture Inc.) was founded in 1988 by Richard J. Hinger, a self-taught assemblagist /sculptor. Hinger began volunteering his time to teach his unique brand of found-object sculpture to K-12 students and at-risk youth in San Diego County California.
After painting ceramic tiles at a street fair Richard thought this would be great art therapy for students at a center for county youth. Also noticing unsightly trash receptacles the artist thought 'How novel would a trash receptacle be when adorned with glazed ceramic tiles? The CommuniCan was born and since then ESI Arts has created public arts projects using painted tiles from K-12 student artists and local artists too. Benches ,bollards, picnic tables, trash receptacles and wall murals have been created using this community oriented public arts concept.
Artists and student/artists were thrilled to see their art in a public place and the communities that recieved the art also felt the impact of art in public view. Unlike paint that fades from the elements, glazed tiles are permanent and never lose their color. The CommuniCan is the flagship of the utiltarian works created by ESI Arts . There are two types of CommuniCans, one made with concrete and the other metal. Each side of the CommuniCan has an inlay of 35 - 4"x4" ceramic tiles with the metal model having a removable mural panel. Three panels consist of individual tiles painted by K-12 student artists.
Public arts projects are always a great impact and investment for community. ESI Arts programs educate children the arts, community involvement and the environment. Participants are more likely to feel that they can make a difference and therefore are more likely to take part in the betterment of their communities, rather than in destructive pursuits as grafitti or vandalism.
Completed projects are given to communities in a dedication ceremony with city leaders and the student artists cutting the ribbon and unwrapping the new art.
ESI Arts is very excited by our new CommuniCan and all the new places and artists that will share in this novel concept for public art.
