A new interactive art exhibit constructed entirely of recyclable materials opened this week at ArtStreet.

"A Memory Rocket," created by Cincinnati-based artist Christian Schmit, is on display now through March 9 in ArtStreet Studio D Gallery. The exhibit is co-sponsored by ArtStreet and the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Initiative.

This exhibit, which is the second installation of Schmit's "A Memory Rocket" series, is composed of completely recycled materials and is inspired by Schmit's personal experiences.

Schmit is a graduate of the Art Academy of Cincinnati and has been teaching there for 10 years. He recently received a master's of fine arts degree from the University of Cincinnati.

"The inspiration for this project came from everything I've done over the years, from my work as a teacher to my living situation in grad school," Schmit said. "I try to convey the message of using things that are available and making them into something to the kids I teach. It's an attempt to make them see things differently, and in a more sustainable way."

Schmit is a close friend of geology department lab coordinator Katie Schoenenberger, a contributor to the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Initiative, who said she became interested in Schmit's work and its applicability to sustainability early on. Since then, she said she has worked to bring "A Memory Rocket" to the University of Dayton.

"Christian always encourages people to work with what they already have, and that's one of the things we try to stress in regards to sustainability," Schoenenberger said. "He's one of the first to do something like this and we thought it was something great to support."

Schoenenberger is a 1999 UD graduate and has been a UD geology professor since 2001.

"A Memory Rocket" is unique, Schmit said, because it is something that everyone can participate in creating.

"I think this is a really cool project because it will always be different and anyone can change it," he said. "I don't believe in finishing art. I think that everything can always continue to change and become an arena to grow, and I want to reflect that in my artwork. Someone told me that they could see me doing something like this for the rest of my life and I completely agree."

Along with the event, Schmit also is hosting workshops from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, and from 7-9 p.m. March 7.

Schmit said he enjoys the connections that form from opening his artwork to other people. For that reason, he said the workshops will be an interesting experience.

"The connection with people is why I love to teach, and why I continue to do the work that I do," Schmit said. "I try to teach people to open up their mind, to see things differently and to try to have a different experience than they normally would in an art gallery. I'm happy to be here at UD, it's a cool place to be and I look forward to the experience."

To follow the progress of "A Memory Rocket," visit amemoryrocket.tumblr.com.