New York artist Cayla Lockwood recently purchased some reclaimed art supplies from The Resource Exchange and used them in a installation/performance piece called “Free* Sandwiches.”

Free* Sandwiches is a satirical “college fair” event presented by the fictitious financial company, CaylaMae® . During the event, 5 fictitious universities are represented, but instead of offering an education, these universities offer (very expensive) grilled cheese sandwiches. Universities range from Ivy-league to online university and cheeses range from brie to Kraft single. The company, CaylaMae® , offers affordable loans to pay for your choice of sandwich.

Handed out by University Representatives, visitors can fill out a sandwich loan application and get a free* sandwich made to order. Visitors are required to pay back their loans in the form of two sandwiches, due at the end of the exhibition. Alternatively, visitors can volunteer one hour of time to a food-based community service and have their loan forgiven.

Using humor, Free* Sandwiches comments on the absurdity of higher education costs, questions the benefits of said education and playfully examines student debt culture in America.

Cayla used fabrics from the re to create ‘collegiate’ banners for the event. She also found some office table props that contribute to the set decoration of the piece. The performance already happened, but the installation is part of the exhibition, Debt Positive, on view at Flux Factory in Queens, NY. Find out more here!