A new 20-foot sculpture made almost entirely of repurposed dumpsters and waste materials was unveiled at Norman’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility Jan. 13.
The sculpture, named Hazmatt, was created by local artist Kenneth Eugene Hall Jr. Hazmatt sits just south of Highway 9 near OU, outside the waste facility.
Just over $14,000 left over from another construction project helped fund Hazmatt. The sculpture was created by local artists without the use of tax dollars and has become a new symbol of Norman.
Michele Loudenback, environmental and sustainability manager for the Division of Environmental Resilience and Sustainability, has helped bring Hazmatt to life with her staff.
This robot look-alike sculpture was initially proposed in late 2021 after Loudenback and her team discussed adding public art to the city’s new waste facility, using the city’s supply of retired dumpsters.
“I'm hoping (it) inspires our residents to do the same kind of thing, to mindfully think about their own relationship to our environment,” Loudenback said, “to their choices, and how they deal with their waste.”
The seemingly relaxed sculpture was nicknamed the “gentle giant” because of its composed posture as it holds a flower. Loudenback explained that it was one of the artists, Derek Boston, who wanted to give Hazmatt a gentle smile.
Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman shared his hope that this sculpture would become something fun and exciting for both Norman residents and those driving by and seeing the roadside attraction.
With the many unique sculptures that other communities have, Holman believes that Hazmatt is “what makes Norman different from any other community.” Located near restaurants and gas stations, he envisions families taking a second to appreciate what was made out of former dumpsters.
Loudenback says she plans to decorate Hazmatt seasonally, adding things like lights around eyes and fabric to the flower, enhancing the sculpture’s welcoming features.
This story was edited by Natalie Armour, Macey Thaxton and Audrey McClour. Gretchen Schultz copy edited this story.
