Terry Marashlian is an installation artist and sculptor who lives in Northfield, MA.
While at San Francisco State University he created a project called Recyclers of San Francisco that highlighted people who collected recyclable materials and exchanged them at the recycle center for cash. A great many of these people were homeless and this was their only source of income. Terry offered to “buy” their recyclables at a higher rate than what was offered by the recyclable center. They would become part of an art project that used an industrial compactor to create a “coin” from the recyclables he bought. If they agreed, he also asked if he could take their picture.
Now, years later, he has created an original commemorative piece to honor the “Exchangers” that is called Recyclers of San Francisco and it is available for purchase.
Non-standard currencies have real and palpable value to individuals as well as societies as a whole.
Recyclers of San Francisco explores the network of people who collect and exchange the non-standard currency of single use aluminum cans for cash.
With your purchase you will receive a box that includes a booklet about the Recyclers of San Francisco and an environmental “coin”.
The coin is 6.5 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. It is made from approximately 20 – 25, locally accessed single use aluminum cans. Terry uses a high pressure hydraulic press to force the cans into a mold that forms the coin.
When you purchase the Recyclers of San Francisco you will be supporting Terry and allow him to purchase materials for future projects. In return, you will get a unique, one-of-a-kind, piece of art, signed and numbered by Terry. You will also help the environment because Terry will donate 10% of net profits to Keep America Beautiful.
If you are interested in supporting Terry by purchasing Recyclers of San Francisco please send him an email at terrymarashlian@gmail.com to tell him of your interest. He will reply to your email to arrange payment and shipping details.
Terry can also make a specialty “coin”, made entirely from your favorite beverage’s cans – Dr. Pepper, Coke, Pepsi, Bud, Coors. Contact him via e-mail for more info.
While at San Francisco State University he created a project called Recyclers of San Francisco that highlighted people who collected recyclable materials and exchanged them at the recycle center for cash. A great many of these people were homeless and this was their only source of income. Terry offered to “buy” their recyclables at a higher rate than what was offered by the recyclable center. They would become part of an art project that used an industrial compactor to create a “coin” from the recyclables he bought. If they agreed, he also asked if he could take their picture. 
