INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 7-member team took on a challenge to create a sculpture from cans during Canstruction Treasure Coast at the Indian River Mall.
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AIA Treasure Coast, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, accepted the challenge that will benefit the Treasure Coast Food Bank. Planning for this event began in July.
“It seemed like a match made for us,” said Kathleen Yancy.
Canstruction is “the most unique food charity in the world,” according to the website, http://canstruction.org. They are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that holds annual design and build competitions to construct fantastic, giant sized, structures made entirely out of canned food.
The team decided to “canstruct” a treasure chest with the slogan, “A treasure hunt to end hunger in our county.”
Fundraisers were held to raise their budget of $2,000. They also drew up the plans themselves.
As the project progressed, shoppers began to stop and watch.
“What the heck is it?” asked Brighton Vance, 12. “It looks like a treasure box made out of cans, it must have taken a lot of creativity.”
Cans of tomatoes, a lot of baked beans, and tuna were used, as well as veggies for the reef, some fruit cups, and rice for the sand.
“We tried to make it healthy,” said Yancy.
The project used 1,450 cans that totaled more than 1 ton of food. They put 243 cans in the chest, 201 cans in the lid and supports, 691 into the reef that surrounded it, and 51 to make up the ocean floor.
“It’s got my favorite beans, Bush’s,” commented onlooker Don Morse.
Their sculpture can be viewed in the food court until Oct. 26 when the food will be transported to the food bank. Donations of canned items are encouraged.
