April 11, 2025
Ferris State exhibit ‘Design Declassified: Function to Form’ showcases recycled plastics use in innovative sustainable design
The Ferris Fine Art Gallery presents Design Declassified: Function to Form, an exhibition exploring the creative potential of recycled plastics that highlights the urgent need for sustainable design practices through a multi-faceted and immersive experience.
The public is invited to a Designers Presentation on April 15 at 11 a.m. featuring Jared Seifert and Lauren Copping, co-founders of the West Michigan-based start-up Design Declassified. A lot of work was put into the exhibit.
The exhibit runs from through May 9 at the Ferris Fine Art Gallery, located in the David Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive.
The public is invited to a Designers Presentation on April 15 at 11 a.m. featuring Jared Seifert and Lauren Copping, co-founders of the West Michigan-based start-up Design Declassified.
Both are graduates of Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design graduates. Seifert earned a degree in Industrial Design and Copping in Interior Design.
This three-part exhibit highlights the far-reaching effects of plastic waste, showcasing a compelling journey through the lifecycle of plastic waste and its transformation into innovative design solutions.
The work is Inspired by the pair’s travels to Bali, where they witnessed communities reclaiming and repurposing plastic waste.
Seifert and Copping have integrated eco-conscious practices into their work. Their exhibit challenges traditional material design and production while promoting innovative alternatives that serve both function and form.
Part one of the exhibition highlights the challenges of plastic recycling and introduces Design Declassified’s unique process. Partnering with the Rockford Sustainability Committee and local Michigan recyclers, the team collects discarded plastics, shreds them into fragments, then melts and reshapes them into visually striking terrazzo-style sheets.
Part two showcases collaborations with artists and designers to demonstrate the versatility of 100 percent recycled plastics, inspiring new creative applications.
The third part offers an interactive experience where visitors can explore a materials library featuring Design Declassified’s sustainable materials. Guests are encouraged to sketch ideas and conceptualize how they might incorporate sustainable practices into their own work.
“Exhibiting a show about plastic recycling is crucial in raising awareness about the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and the pressing need for sustainable solutions,” Gallery director Carrie Weis said. “Fragments to Form not only educates the public about the destructive impact of plastic on ecosystems and wildlife but also highlights the potential for innovation in recycling technologies.”
Weis said by showcasing effective recycling methods, creative reuse ideas, and the importance of reducing plastic consumption, the exhibit can inspire individuals, businesses, and policymakers to take responsible action.
“Ultimately, it fosters a collective understanding that plastic recycling is not just an environmental necessity, but also a powerful tool for creating a more sustainable and circular economy for future generations,” she said.
Additional information is available at the Ferris State Fine Art Gallery’s webpage located here.