Exhibit | Red Bull: Art of Can

One of the finalist art pieces for Art of Can at Dilworth Plaza, in Philadelphia. Photo: Brian Nevins/Red Bull Content Pool.

Ever wonder what to do with your Red Bull can once you’re finished with it? Well, years ago the energy drink giant came up with an interesting way of recycling that can – and turning it into art.

Red Bull has become a trailblazer of the art world with Art of Can, a yearly exhibition that’s previously been featured in cities such as Chicago and Houston.

Art of Can showcases 30 pieces of artwork submitted by designers, sculptors and artists from around the country as part of a competition, with each piece inspired by Red Bull’s iconic can. From sculptures made out of cans to paintings of the energy drink, there’s always enough to warrant a look from pedestrians passing by the exhibit.

Last weekend, Red Bull unveiled the 2015 Art of Can exhibit, a physical and digital art gallery on display at Dilworth Park in front of Philadelphia’s iconic City Hall. The exhibition, appearing Oct. 1-8, is free to the public and is smack dab in the heart of Philadelphia, just blocks from the famous “Love” statue. The City of Brotherly Love, known for its murals, has become a hotbed for artistic expression and has now adopted a new style to its repertoire, with several participants from the area.

But this gallery didn’t just happen overnight.

No, it took competitors months to complete their various works, which range from an eagle on top of the Liberty Bell to a surfer riding a wave. With little regulation, artists are given the creative freedom to construct whatever they can imagine – making it that much more fun.

This year’s winner, Kathy Beale, explained just how tedious the process of turning silver and blue cans into art can be. Beale has entered the contest several times over the years, even getting her daughter Jennifer involved this year.

“It took me about three and a half months [to put it together],” the Texas resident admitted. “Anywhere from 350 to 500 cans [were used] and when we say that, we’re probably only using an inch to two inches of each can. For me, the can is the paint – it’s the texture, the color and things like that.”

Spectators admire a piece from Red Bull Art of Can at Dillworth Park in Philadelphia. Photo: Taylor Galloway / Red Bull Content Pool.

Red Bull kicked off the free, eight day exhibition with bang, as thousands of onlookers watched a state-of-the-art projection light up the 300-foot wide façade of City Hall. The municipal building’s architecture came to life thanks to pulsating movements and 3-D graphics controlled from a nearby tent which followed the beat of an accompanying soundtrack. The visual installation was brought to life by Klip Collective – a Philadelphia-based studio – and after an impressive display, they gave the crowd a chance to light up City Hall and create their own audio-visual show – controlled by Red Bull cans.

Even the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development of the City of Philadelphia, Alan Greenberger, came out and tried his hand at making a custom projection, with the help of its creators.

“The biggest spiritual event in the history of the city was last week and this week we’re seeing the first-ever projection mapping on City Hall as part of Red Bull Art of Can,” Greenberger said. “It goes to show the creative scene continues to grow and be encouraged here. It’s even more telling that groups like Red Bull recognize the growth and help propel it through smart and creative events like Art of Can.”

Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.