Creative Reuse & Waste

CONVERSION is an art exhibit created by local sustainable floral designer, Holly Lukasiewicz, and one of the owners of Benson Bounty, Michelle Brannen. CONVERSION is the process of changing something from one form to another, as a way of breathing new life into something that would otherwise become waste.

The exhibit is open October 2nd through November 12th, 2026 at the BFF MaMO gallery in downtown Benson, during First Fridays 6-10 PM and Thursdays 5-7 PM.

Plenty can be packed into a 42’ long semi trailer gallery space! Many rescues came together to create this space that focuses on creative reuse and reducing waste, as they relate to both farming and floral design. Posters and artwork display cards were even printed on empty Benson Bounty product label sheets! Enjoy the show.

A listing of all scheduled exhibit events are at bottom of this post.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Michelle Brannen thrives as a creator. Since 2015, her studio space has been a 1.5 acre farm in the Benson neighborhood that she owns & operates alongside her husband, Mark. Michelle is a native plant enthusiast, food sovereignty proponent, community connector, preserving powerhouse & mother to three young children.

Holly Lukasiewicz is an artist, educator & environmentalist creating flora-based works inspired by the ephemerality each season offers. She is deeply grounded in local agriculture & sustainable design practices as they relate to the well-being of our local & global communities.

GRATITUDE:

To Viy & Benson First Friday staff & volunteers for seeing value in uplifting Earth-based works.

To Land & Water for which this exhibit is inspired.

To each collaborator along the way who shares a concern with landfill diversion, climate resilience & water conservation as what we gift to future generations.