Residents will have a chance to demonstrate how everyday items can become unique, useful and beautiful creations in the first-ever Upcycled Art Contest at this year’s Southwest Washington Fair.
“Our goal is to have community members showcase how unwanted items can be turned into something creative,” said Melanie Case, sustainability coordinator for the Lewis County Solid Waste Utility and one of the organizers of the contest. “We invite everyone to put their imagination in gear and come up with some fantastic entries.”
When creating pieces for the contest, Case noted that there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. The main rule is that materials for the creations must be from recycled, repurposed or upcycled items. New materials will only be allowed for finishing the piece, such as paint, glue, wire, etc. The artwork must fit into a 3-foot tote or box.
Prizes will be awarded in five categories: Pee-Wee, preschool and younger; Elementary School, K-fifth grade; Middle School, sixth through eighth grade; High School, ninth through 12th grade; and Adult, ages 18 and older.
Judging will be done by a panel of community volunteers and fairgoers.
All entries will be on display in the Expo Hall during the Southwest Washington Fair, which runs Aug. 11-16. Entries must be dropped off in the Expo Hall at the fairgrounds between 3 and 6 p.m. Aug. 6 or 9 a.m. and noon on Aug. 7.
Entry forms will be available during dropoff. Information needed when filling out the entry form is as follows:
• Short explanation regarding the artwork: the title of artwork and materials reused/repurposed
• Statement about why recycling and repurposing items is important
• What was the inspiration for this piece of art?
• For high school entrants and younger, artist name and grade level completed, city/community they live in. Contact number on entry form.
• For adult entrants, name and community they live in. Contact number on entry form.
Entries must be picked up by 8:30 p.m. on the last day of the fair, Sunday, Aug. 16.
This contest is a partnership between the WSU Lewis County Master Recycler Composter Volunteers, WSU Extension, Lewis County Solid Waste Utility and the Southwest Washington Fair.
For questions, call 360-740-1216 or email jason.adams@lewiscountywa.gov.
Learn more about the fair at https://www.southwestwashingtonfair.org/
