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Colorful ArtPrize creation made from medical waste

UM Health-West tech turns 1.5 million pieces of medical waste into ArtPrize entry

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Colorful ArtPrize creation made from medical waste
ArtPrize contestant Casey “KC” Chubb, a UM-Health West anesthesia support technician, spent more than two years collecting materials that otherwise would have been discarded to create “Be Your Own CAPtain.” It can be seen at the Cornerstone Church – Heritage Hill Campus, 48 Lafayette Ave SE, Grand Rapids. (Photo Courtesy: Casey Chubb)



By Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Staff
greer@wktv.org


More than 1.5 million caps and other pieces of medical waste from University of Michigan Health-West hospital have been transformed into a colorful ArtPrize installation.

Casey “KC” Chubb, an anesthesia support technician at UM Health-West, spent more than two years collecting materials that otherwise would have been discarded and turned them into “Be Your Own CAPtain,” an underwater scene featuring CAPtain the octopus and Taneel the eel.

About 90% of the caps came from medication bottles used during surgery. Look closely and you’ll also find syringe caps, CO2 absorber tops, surgical timeout markers and other medical materials incorporated into the artwork … that would otherwise be dumped in a landfill.

The project became a hospital-wide effort as Chubb’s coworkers helped collect materials and encouraged her to enter ArtPrize.

Colorful ArtPrize creation made from medical waste
ArtPrize contestant Casey “KC” Chubb, a UM-Health West anesthesia support technician, spent more than two years collecting materials that otherwise would have been discarded to create “Be Your Own CAPtain.” (Photo Courtesy: Casey Chubb)


Per her Artist Statement at ArtPrize, Chubb said, “Nearly every department within my employed hospital has saved and contributed to this bigger picture. As well as my community of family & friends from all over our glorious country. They, too, have all made a positive impact on this world by simply saving one CAP!

“Originally created, CAPtain the octopus & Taneel the eel, is my first attempt at recycled art. For something fun to enjoy around the family pool starting back in early 2024. Transformed into encouragement from the unity of people that help contributed, to share it with the world.

“Recycling not only keeps our incredible planet thriving, but it also unclutters your mind. So your eyes can see.” 

ArtPrize, founded in 2009, runs from Sept. 18 through Oct. 3. Per its website, “ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural festival held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan – a celebration of ideas, conversation, experimentation, and inclusiveness. Each year, we welcome more than 900,000 visitors to experience the transformative power of art. Discover work by thousands of artists from around the world as our city transforms into a living canvas.”