Many people might call Gary Bowling a Dumpster diver.

Yet, the artist does not hesitate to say much of his work -- be it a human figure or an insect dangling from the ceiling -- comes from mere trash.

Bowling and his photographer wife, Debbie, opened Gary Bowling's House of Art in 2008, which acquired nonprofit status this year.

What makes Bowling's work unusual is that he uses trash to create artwork that can be seen hanging or standing in the old, three-story building located on Bland Street.

Just inside the entrance stands a Graham High School band member made of cardboard, paper and other materials Bowling scavenged. A barber chair is home to a bizarre female face and head made of a water bottle and rope to name a few of the materials.

A bright green alien, also in the entryway, is made of cardboard and pieces of cloth.

And the list goes on.

After walking through the entrance that looks similar to an old movie theater, visitors to the House of Art enter a cavernous area literally plastered with pieces of art dangling from the ceiling, propped around the room and hanging on the walls.

No place remains empty in the dimly lit room filled with items found in trash piles or donated by area residents.

A large wooden counter came from a nearby federal building. Two jailhouse beds are on the stage area. Bowling said he'll use "just anything" to make his art. For emphasis, he points to a freestanding nun.

"That's stuff I made out of trash," he said.

Yet upon gazing all these items, it is difficult to see pieces of trash.

The House of Art isn't just for displaying Bowling's work. The business also features endless pieces of work from residents within a 200-mile radius.

That work includes paintings of all media, photographs, sculptures, jewelry, pottery and what is coined the world's longest skateboard at 36 feet long.

Debbie Bowling said the initial reason for opening the art house was educational. Since then, however, she and her husband have begun to initiate other projects to benefit area residents.

The pieces on display are by area artists who have never shown before. Many of themhave ultimately sold their work through the House of Art.

"It's a thrill to see somebody who's never sold art sell their pieces here," she said.

Additionally, the House of Art is a place for musicians and singers to perform, poets to read their poetry and writers to read their stories.

As for the art that is on display, a committee composed of local residents involved in art education evaluates all work.

From 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays nights Gary and Debbie Bowling host open mic events to give participants a chance to express themselves and show off their talent.

The second and third floors can accommodate up to 300 people, and according to Debbie Bowling, they have had to turn people away on occasion.

"It gives a lot of the local people a chance to come and perform," she said.

The second floor of the building consists of more paintings and artwork. The third floor can be used for classes that the couple hope to begin.

Debbie Bowling said schools often do not have the funding for students to experience the vast opportunities in art. Therefore, she said they plan to launch classes geared toward children as "a way of people maybe finding out they have talent."

The Bowlings said, there are more than 300 videos posted on the Internet by folks who have visited or participated at the House of Art.

"This is like a dream come true," Debbie Bowling said, "to offer this to the community. We've always been into art."

In addition to classrooms, the Bowlings are planning to set up 13 studios in the building's upper floors. Gary Bowling said studios will resemble a downtown village with "some quaint and some cute."

In addition to the paintings, sculptures and creations, the House of Art also houses Bohemian Bakery, which is operated by Pat and Shawn Doute.

The bakery offers daily lunches, dinners on Wednesday nights and handles catering for House of Art functions such as group meetings or receptions.

Gary Bowling's House of Art solely operates on donations from individuals and businesses, and proceeds from events.

Staff at the art house is working on a Web site: http://garybowlingshouseofart.com.