This week, my family and I visited a very cool art installation in Hainespoint, NJ, called “Rusty,” which was built by artist Thomas Dambo. It’s a sculpture made of trash that towers at least two stories high. The Danish recycling artist who built it creates large-scale artworks around the world to call attention to how our world is drowning in trash while our natural resources are diminishing.
Aptly, a sign in front of Rusty reads, “Don’t feed big Rusty!”
The sculpture was fun to look at from various angles and to take selfies with!
Behind it is an abandoned building that local artists have tagged with graffiti art. We enjoyed perusing the spay-painted designs and using the colorful artwork as the backdrop for our photos.
Burlington County Troll Trek
Big Rusty has inspired an art installation in Burlington County called Troll Trek 2024. Using an online map, you can visit 19 trash trolls throughout the county, including Rusty—it’s like a big scavenger hunt! The trolls, made of natural and recycled materials, all point to the need for us all to live sustainably to support our planet. My family and I haven’t tried to locate the other trolls yet, which are located in various destinations, including parks and downtown areas, but I think it would be fun! Sixteen artists participated in making Rusty’s friends.
Just down the road from Rusty is an adorable collection of craft and book stores and a hot dog shack (that my husband would love) in Rancocus Woods, so we will have to go back! But we did visit nearby K-towne Kitchen and got some great Korean Food takeout and bubble teas! The food was very delicious!
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