2022

Betsy Alexander: Composer & Artist – by Julia A. King

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Common Consensus

2021

Unknown Parallels with Taji Ra’oof Nahl

An evening with Philadelphia-based artist Taji Ra’oof Nahl whose work has connections with Ulysses Jenkins on many levels: a rich understanding of collaboration, utilization of video, historical indexing, and reenactment as practice. The conversation connects Jenkins’s and Nahl’s interdisciplinary work, their use of video editing techniques, staging of art happenings, documentation, and social commentary. Moderators are Penn Graduate Lecturers Enrique Morales and Will Owen.

2020

Dumpster Diver Len Davdison opens new Neon Museum

Posted on September 28, 2020 by Common Consensus

The Neon Museum of Philadelphia is dedicated to preserving historic signage as an important element of community heritage in Philadelphia and America. It also promotes neon art and appreciation of the 20th century American roadside.

Harry Anderson interviewed by Invisible City: Philadelphia and the Vernacular Avant-garde curator Sid Sachs

https://vimeo.com/170707309

https://vimeo.com/170703770

2019

Dumpster Diver Carol Cole at Cerulean Arts

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Common Consensus

Carol Cole’s show ran through March 10, 2019 at Cerulean Arts, 1355 Ridge Ave in Philadelphia. She gave a creativity workshop: “Doing What Comes Naturally” on Sat, March 2, 2019.

2015

Eco Philly: Recycled Art – Dumpster Divers of Philadelphia featuring Besty Alexander & Burnell Yow!

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Common Consensus

Frances Dumlao, from Eco Philly, interviews Betsy & Burnell, surrounded by their colorful collection of art.

2014

Video from the Destination Frankford Pop-Up Gallery Reception

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Common Consensus

Through An Artist’s Eye: Philadelphia – Volume 1, Rittenhouse Square by Armond Scavo

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Common Consensus

A loving year long tour of historic Rittenhouse Square, featuring the video work of Burnell Yow! and original music (and piano playing) by Betsy Alexander.

2013

When/Now

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Common Consensus

Features just one of a series of amazing found object assemblages by Burnell Yow!

Video: Burnell Yow!

Philadelphia Dumpster Divers

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Common Consensus

Here’s an interview and slide show about the Dumpster Divers, featuring co-founder Neil Benson.

Video: Jason Reinbold

Randall Cleaver: My Favorite Time Lord

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Common Consensus

Here’s a video about an exhibit of Randall Cleaver’s amazing clocks at the Urban Outfitters’ Gallery, at their corporate headquarters at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.

Video: Burnell Yow!

Burnell Yow! – Fifteen Seconds On His Crow Flute, Key of A…

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Common Consensus

This Crow flute is the handiwork of flutemaker Odell Borg It is made of ebonized walnut with turquoise inlay. Not only is it a beautiful instrument, but the sound is amazing.

Video: Burnell Yow!

A Minute with Joel Spivak

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Common Consensus

A brief interview with Dumpster Diver Joel Spivak where he talks about the history of South Street, the South Street Renaissance and the future of art in Philadelphia.

Video: CoolGoonProductions

A Civilization is a Terrible Thing to Waste

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Common Consensus

An interview with found object artist Neil Benson, a founding member of the Philadelphia-based found object art collective The Dumpster Divers, on the importance of recycling to sustainable development.

Video: Alex Goldblum

The Dumpster Divers Art Gallery on South Street

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Common Consensus

A tour down memory lane of the gone-but-not-forgotten gallery of trash/recycled/found-object art on South Street.

Video: Michael Falsetta

2012

FreeForm Fest 2012 – Daytime Dumpster Divers Gallery

Videos by Gretchen Altabef

Philadelphia Dumpster Divers had a Theme Camp Pavilion at the first FreeForm Fest. Here’s a taste of the daytime scene.

FreeForm Fest 2012 – Nitetime
Here’s a taste of Saturday’s Effigy fire & 2nd Burn at the first FreeForm Fest.

Members of the Philadelphia Dumpster Divers artist collective created 7 “Burning men” & one “Burning woman” for the 2nd Burn, following the burning of the Effigy on Saturday nite.

Dumpster Diver 20th Anniversary Speech

Randy Dalton’s Dumpster Diver 20th Anniversary Speech (April, 2012)

Randall L. Dalton, 1949 – 2016 #DoBlue

Video courtesy of Diver Burnell Yow

2011

2011 Awards Ceremony

Held in January 2011, at the Famous 4th Street Delicatessen at 700 S 4th Street in Philadelphia.

Video: Burnell Yow!

2003

EnviroArt
Karen Mintz, producer

Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy® Awards - Nominee, Outstanding Public Affairs Program 2003

Selected for Philadelphia Stories (2004)

"Trash is a Failure of Imagination" - This PBS WHYY production features Dumpster Divers and friends including Randall Cleaver, Neil Benson and Warren Mueller amongst others

Most people just throw away their “trash”, but in the eyes of some artists, “trash is a failure of imagination”. Meet artists who cruise the dumpsters for material to use in their work: a waffle iron becomes a wall sconce, a truck windshield becomes a table, and one enterprising artist salvages enough material to build a home for a family of four! While appreciating new ways to look at old objects, viewers learn about the importance of recycling and reuse and why we can all be inspired to take a second look at what we’re about to throw away.