Close-up

Inspired by a group of New York architects and engineers in 1992, Canstruction^® is a unique charity art exhibition featuring structures made by teams of volunteers, youth groups and contractors. Through Citywide Canstruction Competitions, members of the design, engineering and construction industries work together to develop innovative and fun exhibits.

In December 2016, volunteers from ATAS International Inc., Allentown, Pa., and The Architectural Studio, Allentown, formed a "Monsters of Metal" team to participate in a local Canstruction competition at Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall, Pa.

Eight teams competed using 38,000 cans of food (32,000 pounds). The Monsters of Metal team earned a Best Use of Labels award for integrating a variety of canned vegetables with bags of white rice and black beans to create a 1969 vintage race car cansculpture^® as a tribute to Nazareth Speedway and the drivers who race on the local track.

Following the competition, all food was donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown.

To submit a photo to Close-up, email professionalroofing@professionalroofing.net or mail a photo to Professional Roofing, Attn.: Close-up, 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018. Submittals should include a photo, as well as a description about the photo. A $100 gift card will be awarded for the photo chosen to be featured in Close-up.