Benicia artist Robert Nelson has a knack for turning trash into art— literally. The discarded items that line the shores of the Carquinez Strait often end up in the hands of Nelson, who takes littered materials like wooden objects and tin cans and uses them to create three-dimensional sculptures of rabbits, sharks and more. How does he do it? That is a question that can be answered by heading over to Gallery 621, where Nelson is the featured artist with his show “Wild and Whimsical 2.”

Nelson specializes in 3-D assemblage art with a focus on creating new objects out of jettisoned materials. He had previously hosted a Gallery 621 exhibit titled “Wild and Whimsical” in 2016 and has returned to show off more of his art.

Part of what Nelson enjoys about the form is pushing himself as an artist with what he can do with found objects.

“I really enjoy the additional challenges, from two-dimensional to three-dimensional, as well as the connections and attachments that are involved with all the recycled materials,” he said.

Additionally, Nelson said his passion for assemblage art stems from a lifelong concern for the environment, particularly discarded items that end up being littered along shorelines or in oceans.

“The idea is to take the litter that isn’t where it should be and make enjoyable work out of it,” he said.

For the tone of his works, Nelson took a lot of inspiration from iconic Benicia artists like Robert Arneson, Clayton Bailey and Roy De Forest, who employed a lot of whimsy and humor in their works.

“I’m trying to keep that tradition alive,” Nelson said. “Art doesn’t have to be dark and serious. It can be serious but also enjoyable and whimsical.”

One of the newest pieces in “Wild and Whimsical 2” is a three and a half foot replica of a shark’s head titled “What’s for Dinner?”

“That was a conceptual piece I drew years ago and finally pulled it off,” Nelson said.

The shark’s skin is made out of outer strips of canvas, and the teeth are created from bent beer bottle caps.

Another new piece is a rabbit named “Pierre.” Nelson used a dowel post and spray paint can to create the head, furniture dowels to create the legs, pieces of wood to create the ears and a Wiffle ball to create the tail.

A returning favorite is “The Flag Waver,” which utilizes wooden objects and recycled materials to create a man waving a flag.

“I think he’s great,” Nelson said. “If he doesn’t sell, I’m gonna keep it.”

Nelson said he looks for materials along the shores of the Carquinez at least once a week. One thing he does not do is use parts of already functional objects.

“I don’t destroy a good wagon to get the wheels,” he said. “I only use what’s already been taken apart.”

Above all, Nelson hopes people enjoy his art and possibly even purchase works they like.

“I keep the prices low,” he said. “I’d rather have my pieces go to somebody’s home to be enjoyed and for other people to see them than to have to put them in storage. They sell fairly well at that price point, so I’m pleased.”

“Wild and Whimsical 2” will be on display through July 1 at Gallery 621, located at 309 First St. The gallery’s hours are noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. For more information, call the gallery at 746-6211.