We often think of plastic as a nuisance, a pollutant or as an unnecessary evil. Plastic is everywhere, introduced to us the moment we’re born. Necessary and overused, contradictory and highly politicized, plastic has been demonized in American culture for the environmental impact it can have when improperly used and discarded of — which is, unfortunately, too often what happens.

The ability to render the demonized into something adorable is a kind of power all on its own. Artist Michelle Lougee has done just that with her latest installation along Arlington’s Minuteman Bikeway. Sponsored by the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture (ACAC), “Persistence”showcases plastic with a positive spin in 38 unique sculptures that Lougee created and hung from trees along the bikeway.

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