Visiting the “Extreme Materials 2” exhibit at the Memorial Art Gallery is like stepping into the old Goofy House at Sea Breeze. Nothing is exactly what it seems. For example, there’s a piece of artwork that looks like a cactus from far away, but as you draw closer, you see that it’s made up of pencil parts, points and flat ends.

Photography was not allowed in most of the exhibit, but I got this picture at the entrance. It looks like a wall with some fancy plaster work, but the 3D design is really made up of lots of white plastic spoons all perfectly arranged. Today’s D&C has some pictures of some of the other exhibits, but to get the full effect, you must see them in person. One of my favorites was a version of American Gothic which had to be viewed through a special lens from 10 feet away.

Almost everything in the exhibit is made up of ordinary items, either recycled or repurposed. If you like to have all your senses and sensibilities challenged, this exhibit is a must see. If your taste in art is traditional portraits or landscapes, this is not for you.

Trash or art? You decide.