Whether it’s an octopus or the pyramids of Giza, 12 teams of builders are using canned good to bring hunger awareness to the community through the art of “can sculpting.”
At a common area turned construction site in the Meadowood Mall, teams unload pallets stacked high with canned goods that will serve as their building materials. One team lays out a wide-spread octopus that reaches across the allotted ten foot-by-ten foot floor plan. Another erects a schoolhouse that will be complete with chairs and desks inside, all constructed with cans of food.
CANstruction is a program from the American Institute of Architects of Northern Nevada. Over 27,000 combined cans make up these sculptures and will ultimately end up at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
Eighth grader Jacob Lolli lays cans of green beans on top of one another, row after row. It’s his third year at CANstruction with Depoali Middle School. His team has previously won prizes like “Best Meal” with their assortment of proteins and veggies, but that’s a secondary benefit for Jacob.
“I know that the Food Bank really contributes a lot so this event helps them since after the Christmas season the can donations kind of go down," Lolli said. "So this helps to bring in more cans after that kind of drought season. And it also helps the people on the team because it gives them better leadership qualities, as well.”
The groups range from students to professional architects. They’ve all conjured up designs, made blueprints, purchased nonperishable food and are now sculpting their visions to life. Teams have raised money and been sponsored to cover the costs involved. This year, Ardagh Group sponsored all the student teams participating.
This year’s can count is the highest yield since Reno began participating 16 years ago. Fred Graham is the event’s co-chair and has been here since the start. He says this brings hunger awareness to the forefront in a creative way.
“It’s just kind of heartwarming," Graham said. "It’s very nice to see everyone come out and support it. You never know who in your neighborhood might be a recipient.”
A panel of judges will award prizes for five categories, Best Original Design, Structural Ingenuity, Best Meal, Best Use of Labels and Most Cans. The public can cast votes for their favorite at one dollar a vote, with all proceeds going to the Food Bank.
Structures will be up for viewing in Meadowood Mall through Sunday, March 10th. The food will then immediately make its way to the food bank.
As a note of disclosure, KUNR occasionally organizes member volunteer days at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.