McNeese State University’s art department hosted a temporary interactive art installation on Wednesday that featured nearly 200 ceramic bottles created from molds of litter found in Lake Charles.

An “art giveaway,” students and faculty were invited to the exhibit, “pick up litter” and learn more about the need for recycling in Southwest Louisiana.

While selecting which piece of litter guests would take home and repurpose, signs and videos shed light on how plastics can harm the environment and mentioned how residents can combat the issue.

Ken Baskin, associate professor of art and ceramics, described the installation as “art activism,” with students using their craft to spur change.

“The idea is that recycling in Lake Charles is a hot bed topic,” he said. “We see the waste everywhere in our environment.”

Baskin spoke of the need to raise public awareness on recycling.

“I don’t think a lot of people really think about things, like what’s going on with plastic once we’re done with it,” he said.

The repurposed bottles will hopefully serve as a reminder of plastic alternatives, the need for recycling and ways residents can recycle locally, Baskin said.

“Art can be used to make social change,” he said.