Artist Call for the Storage Trolley Art Walk
Transform an Ordinary Trash Bin into a Work of Art
The Good News Rescue Mission is inviting local artists to participate in a unique public art project by transforming ordinary plastic trash bins into vibrant works of art that inspire hope. These painted trash bins will serve as storage trolleys for the Good News Rescue Mission, providing portable, waterproof containers for guests to use to store personal belongings.
These painted bins will serve as a symbol of dignity and transformation, reminding us that just as an ordinary object can become a work of art, every person has inherent value and the potential for hope, healing, and a new beginning. They will be displayed for public viewing at the Good News Rescue Mission Open House for the new Day Resource Center building.
The Project:
Selected artists will receive a standard residential plastic trash bin to paint. Once complete, painted bins will be displayed at the Art Walk and Open House of the New Day Resource Center. The storage trolleys will then be assigned to a shelter guest to store their personal belongings in the new Day Resource Center.
Artist Guidelines:
- Artwork must be original.
- Artwork should be uplifting, family-friendly, and appropriate for public display.
- Please do not promote any company or organization or reflect any political ideas.
- We’d prefer to see more artwork and fewer words.
- Designs should cover most or all of the exterior of the storage trolley.
- All ages and experience levels are welcome to apply.
- Artists are responsible for completing their artwork within the project timeline.
- Protective coatings and painting instructions will be provided.
Themes:
Artists are encouraged to create original designs centered around one or more of the following themes:
- Hope
- Joy
- Love
- Kindness
- Community
- Renewal
- Resilience
- Compassion
Painting Instructions
Most household trash bins are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is one of the most difficult plastics for paint to stick to. If you simply paint it with regular acrylic or spray paint, there’s a good chance it will scratch or peel over time, especially with sun exposure and continuous handling.
Here’s the best way to get a durable finish:
- Clean the storage trolley by wiping it down
- Lightly sand the surface of the storage trolley with 180-grit or 220-grit sandpaper
- Apply plastic bonding primer (see below for options)
- Paint the storage trolley
- Once completely dry, protect it with 2–3 coats of a UV-resistant clear coat.
That combination will give you the best chance of the artwork lasting for years rather than months. Once you have applied the proper plastic bonding primer, almost any paint will stick to your storage bin because primer changes the surface to a paint-friendly base. However, acrylic paint will be the most affordable and easily accessible option.
Plastic Bonding Primer Options:
- Krylon Fusion All-In-One
- Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer
- Insl-X Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer
Clear Coat Options:
- Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel
- Krylon UV-Resistant Clear
- Rust-Oleum Matte or Satin Clear Coat (depending on the finish you want)
Will the clear coat stop peeling?
A clear coat helps protect against:
- UV fading
- Moisture
- Minor scratches
However, it won’t prevent peeling if the paint never bonded to the plastic in the first place. The plastic bond primer is what creates that bond.
How to Apply:
Click on this link to submit an application.
- You will have a choice in the application process to pick up the storage trolley or have it delivered to you
- You contact information must be completed – Incomplete applications will be denied
- A representative of the Good News Rescue Mission will reach out to you once your application is approved to give you further instructions
Completion Dates:
- Submission Deadline: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Storage Trolleys need to be received by: Monday, August 31, 2026
Together, let’s paint hope—one bin at a time.
For questions, contact Tino at (808) 276-5562
