As part of our Litter-Free Woonasquatucket Campaign, we’re transforming everyday trash cans into public art with a purpose — making it easier (and more inspiring) to keep the Greenway clean. This project is part of a broader collaboration with RIDOT’s Litter-Free Rhode Island initiative, and it centers community voice, creative placemaking, and a shared sense of responsibility for our river.
This spring, we asked three local artists to reimagine trash cans as storytelling tools — each one a vivid, visual reminder that the river runs through here.
Now installed in key Greenway locations across Providence, these bins are here to be used and admired. First up: meet the natural science illustrator behind one of the most colorful cans on the Greenway.
Meet the Artist: Ava Varszegi
Bin Location: Eagle Square Pocket Park & Manton Outdoor Classroom
Ava Varszegi (she/her) is a Natural Science Illustrator and Educator based in Providence, RI. She studied Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and holds certificates in Graphic Design and Natural Science Illustration through their Continuing Education program. Her detailed work—often created with watercolor and colored pencil—focuses on hyperrealistic depictions of New England plant and animal life, particularly insects (with a soft spot for beetles). When not immersed in her own practice, she teaches art to youth throughout Rhode Island.
“I want to celebrate the biodiversity we share space with — and draw attention to the bins we often overlook.”
Ava’s Design Inspiration
“As a natural science illustrator, I’m always looking for ways to highlight individual species. For this project, I wanted to collage a variety of plants and animals around the bin—showcasing biodiversity by including species from different taxonomic classes. I played around with a few styles but ended up using a bright, limited palette that may not be biologically accurate but hopefully captures each subject’s essence.”
On Her Connection to the Woonasquatucket River
“I’m an avid biker and use the Woonasquatucket River Greenway path all the time. It’s one of the easiest ways to get a little dose of nature in the city. I have this great memory of my younger brother mistaking a muskrat for a beaver in the river—it cracked us up, but it also made me realize how alive the river really is. There’s so much we don’t see until we stop to look.”
How She Found the Project
“I actually saw the call for artists on Instagram!”
Why Litter Prevention Matters
“I’m a bit obsessive about not littering—sometimes I’ll carry trash around in my pocket all day until I find a bin. I hope these beautifully designed cans make it easier and more appealing for people to do the right thing. By covering the bin in species that live right here, I want to remind people that this is shared habitat. This is their home too.”
Explore More from Ava Varszegi
avavarszegi.com
avarszeg@alumni.risd.edu
@avavarszegi
More to Come
We’ll be highlighting two more incredible artists behind these one-of-a-kind bins. And if you spot Ava’s bin in Eagle Square Pocket Park, take a closer look… you might just discover a beetle or bird you’ve never noticed before.
Think before you toss. Respect the river. Celebrate the art.