It's so much easier to use a plastic fork and toss it than it is to labor over the kitchen sink. Flower City Arts Center artist-in-residence Arleen Thaler, a photojournalism graduate student at Empire State College, highlights this shortcoming in her show, "Plastics: Our Weakness." The exhibit is a photographic exploration of the plasticware that doesn't quite make it to the landfill; it examines the trash that litters our lawns, sidewalks, shores, and streets.

"We love plastic for its functionality, bend-ability, and durability," Thaler says in a provided statement. "Every single day, everywhere around the world people come in contact with plastic. As we consume plastic daily, we discard it equally so. The earth is trimmed like a Christmas tree and lit by the colors of discarded plastic."

"Plastics: Our Weakness" runs through Saturday, September 2, at Flower City Arts Center (713 Monroe Avenue) on the second floor. Admission is free and open to the public. For exhibit hours and more information, visit rochesterarts.org or call 244-1730.