Local artist Carol Simon is inviting everyone to join in on the final pieces of a collaborative art project, as she puts the finishing touches on an installation created by up-cycling 10,000 plastic water bottles into flower sculptures to adorn a 150 ft. chain link fence at Houston Ave. and Edwards.

The final work party for the project will be held at 1417 Houston Ave. – the installations future home — from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20.

She has been working for the past year and a half, and has invited numerous guests into her studio to help with the hours of cutting and painting required, receiving assistance from more than 1,000 individuals, including corporate volunteers who have both collected bottles and given their time to support the project.

The finished project will beautify the neighborhood with a colorful art installation – creating a kaleidoscope of color will give the passerby and drivers stopped by the train something an unexpected and beautiful interruption to their day – while also saving thousands plastic bottles from the landfill.

To make a donation to support the First Ward is Blooming project, visit www.power2give.org/campaigns/800.

For more information about Carol Simon and her art, visit www.carolsimonstudio.com.