This 36” x 72” commissioned artwork was created using a combination of recycled materials and mixed media. The project called for the development of an interactive map with movable components to support strategic planning, while emphasizing sustainability through the use of repurposed materials. To enable interactivity, magnets and a metal surface were incorporated. This surface was constructed by cutting approximately 70 recycled metal cans—including soup and tomato cans—into small pieces. These were carefully arranged and hot-glued onto a cardboard base cut to the shape of the map. Tracing paper, used to outline the map, was then adhered over the surface, creating a paintable layer while masking the edges of the metal pieces. The three corridors are color-coded to reflect their landscapes: Berkshire is rendered in green to evoke its serene mountains and rolling hills; the Connecticut River Valley is depicted in blue, representing the river that runs north to south; and Worcester is shown in yellow, symbolizing its blend of urban, suburban, and rural environments. Images of churches, along with labels for priests and deacons, were designed with careful attention to scale and layout. The designs were printed, mounted onto cardboard, and sealed with a self-adhesive laminate for durability and a writable surface. Magnets were attached to the back of each piece, allowing them to be easily repositioned on the map. The map is mounted on a custom-built, framed hardboard base. Modeling paste was applied to add texture, echoing the terrain while concealing the sharp edges of a repurposed metal sheet sourced from a secondhand store. This section also functions as an additional magnetic, writable surface, finished with a laminate suitable for dry-erase markers. Decorative elements such as the painted branches and leaves, are thoughtfully integrated throughout the background, referencing the “Tree of Life” logo and the diocesan tagline, “Growing in God’s mission: We are in this together.” The diocesan shield was crafted almost entirely from recycled materials, including Styrofoam egg cartons, cereal boxes, tissue paper, and beads. Additional symbolic elements include a staff and six stars. The staff—used to indicate which church the bishop will visit on a given Sunday—was created from a repurposed metal hook (from a broken hanger), gold tissue paper, cereal box cardboard, and a wooden stick from a placemat, with a magnet attached to the back. The six stars, sourced from a previous craft project and embellished with shells from a broken necklace, represent the archdeacons of the diocesan corridors. The project took just over two months to complete, from concept to delivery. It was both a challenging and exhilarating process—learning new tools and materials, determining appropriate adhesives, and gaining a deeper understanding of the geography of Western Massachusetts. Creating this piece from scratch has been a deeply rewarding journey. My sincere thanks to Bishop Miguelina Howell for the opportunity to undertake this project, and for supporting both my artistic practice and my commitment to environmental sustainability.