Recycled art is becoming a big deal lately, as Keep America Beautiful has been promoting it in the last few years as it follows their platform of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Reduce: in the sense that we don’t have to buy new all the time and all the old stuff goes in the landfill.
Reuse: by perhaps changing the object a bit or buying from consignment shops or thrift shops where something gets a new home and can continue its purpose and is now new to you.
Recycle: use something again by giving it a new life by repurposing it.
Any way you look at it or define it, you are keeping things out of the landfill and not contributing to our disposable society.
This year’s Eddy County Recycled Art Show will be held once again at the Artesia Public Library beginning with set-up on Feb. 7, judging on Friday, and display until Feb. 24. During this time, you may also vote for your favorite in each age group. Monetary prizes and ribbons will be awarded.
It’s really simple; dig out that clutter kit, visit the junk pile out back, or if all else fails, visit the world wide web for inspiration on recycled works of art. The only rules are that at least 75% of your art piece must contain objects that have had a previous life or would have made it to the landfill had you not rescued them in the name of art.
It is understood that you may have to use glue, nails, wood, wire or other new materials to bring your creation to life, and that’s where the other 25% comes in. The rules are really a bit more simple: now it’s recycle, upcycle or repurpose.
There are many publications out there with cool ideas of things to make that can be used in your home, patio or garden. You will be impressed at what you can create. I used to love Restoration Hardware catalogs because there were items in there that would have been possible to copy. Ideas are everywhere, and I do mean everywhere. Books and magazines are an endless source if you need inspiration, and I bet the public library might even have some publications to help you out.
This is a great way to show your creativity, encourage your children, or just get the whole family involved in a project. This is also a great way to learn about recycling.
For more information, please call Artesia Clean & Beautiful at 575-748-3192 or 575-513-0143.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Linda Stevens is the director of Artesia Clean & Beautiful. Contact her at 575-748-3192.)
