By Associated Press, 6/24/2003

BOULDER, Colo. -- It's art to some, yes, but apparently not to the custodian who threw away the newest exhibit at the Boulder Public Library.

After being pulled out of the garbage, "My Favorite Place to Walk in Boulder: Or Found Trash Objects" officially opened Friday at the downtown library. The display features common trash found by University of Colorado art students in otherwise scenic spots citywide.

"This is a slightly different kind of art," said Karen Ripley, director of cultural programs. "It's not meant to be beautiful.

"One of the comments our maintenance guy made was that it smells," said Ripley, who saved the artwork.

She said the odor could have been coming from a soggy brown leather clog found in a drinking fountain.

When the janitor dumped the display, there were no signs or barriers to indicate it was anything but what it looked like: a pile of rubbish, Ripley said.

Intended as a social commentary on ecology, the exhibit includes a green Frisbee, a plastic cookie cutter, a cigarette package and a drink coaster.