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‘Rubbish’ calls Arts Council

‘Musical Instruments’ chosen as Trash Art Challenge theme

Last year's Audience Choice went to Pat Acton's metal mask

Turning trash into cash is an art form.

But in this case, it’s fine art.

Hundreds of dollars in prize money is up for grabs in Comox Valley Community Arts Council’s annual Trash Art Challenge, coming up April 5.

"We’re challenging one and all to make a statement and create a piece – large, medium or small – for this show," says show coordinator Lori Kenney, an artist who is also working on a piece for the show.

All entries must be constructed from materials recycled from a previous use.

"The theme of this year’s challenge is ‘musical instruments’, she said. "The idea is to innovate, embellish, assemble, reuse, re-invent, salvage and or construct objects for the home environment with recycled materials.”

Arts Council board member Bobby Herron says that while the show is also a fundraiser for the Arts Council’s Muir Gallery on Anderton Avenue (where the show runs April 5-28), the point of the event is two-fold.

“Here's an opportunity to look at what we throw away in a new light, while participating in a creative community project,” he said. “It's the ultimate recycling experience. All the materials you need to create something wonderful are there in your trash.”

A number of artists are already stepping up to the challenge. Kenny thinks this year might top the inaugural Trash Art Challenge, which saw 45 entries, all on a mask theme.

“This is art for everyone,” said Kenney. “The material is the message.” She says the creative entries people come up with “can be very zany. It’s a lot of fun. I loved it when a little old lady was looking at the pieces and I heard giggles.”

Creating art from garbage is a “very organic process” with fun results, she said. “It’s an opening for the imagination.”

She also noted the show fits well with the Arts Council’s mandate to “facilitate and animate the arts in the Comox Valley … promoting the Comox Valley as a creative and dynamic arts-producing centre."

The show opens at 7 p.m. April 5 at the Muir Gallery, 440 Anderton Avenue. Submissions with fees will be received at the Muir Gallery April 3, 10- 2pm p.m. Download the submission form.

The works will be for sale at the gallery.

Last changed: Feb 01 2012 at 9:04 AM

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