Enter The Art of Recycling Contest

THE ART OF RECYCLING JURIED ART COMPETITION AND EXHIBIT

   The Athens Area Council for the Arts announces the return of “The Art of Recycling”, a juried art competition and exhibit to be held at The Arts Center, 320 North White Street, Athens, Tennessee, from November 2, 2009 – January 4, 2010. Over $1100.00 in prize money will be awarded in three divisions – high school, college, and open. Residents of McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, and Bradley counties are cordially invited to participate by entering artworks. Sponsors include Keep McMinn Beautiful, Citizens National Bank, Athens Regional Medical Center, Top Notch Printing Company, Mitchell and Becky Bryant, and the City of Athens Recycling Center.

   The goal of this juried art show is to heighten awareness of conservation issues through artistic expression. There are many potential uses for society’s discards and the creation of art objects from recycled materials will highlight this very serious concern. Art can also serve as a vehicle to influence positive changes in thinking, especially regarding how we think about and deal with our waste products.

  At least 70% of the materials used in the creation of the artworks must be recycled/reused/repurposed. There are size limitations for indoor display and larger works may be submitted (with prior approval) for outdoor display if weather-resistant. The competition is open to anyone regardless of artistic experience or expertise and everyone is encouraged to participate. There are many resources on the internet and books in your library that can help spur your imagination.

   The competition’s three divisions are: high school (9-12 grade students in the designated counties), college (students attending any college in the five county area or students who are a resident but attend college elsewhere), and the open division (for any other adult resident of the designated counties). There will be a first, second, and third place cash prize awarded in each division as well as a Best in Show award and a People’s Choice Award. Non-cash honorable mentions will also be awarded.

    In honor of America Recycles Month, an opening reception and awards ceremony will be held at The Arts Center on November 3, 2009. The reception will begin at 6:00 pm to allow for viewing of the entries and voting on the People’s Choice Award. The awards ceremony will begin 7:00. The public, artists, family, and friends are invited to attend.

   While the exhibit is open to the public, reservations may be made by school and community groups to have a docent-guided tour of the exhibit, see an original performance piece by local actors, and do a hands-on art activity using recycled materials. Reservations will be accepted for selected time blocks from November 9 – December 16, 2009. The cost is $2 per person. Call The Arts Center at (423) 745-8781 to get in on this fun and educational opportunity for all ages.

   The exhibit will remain on display through January 4, 2010. As a wide range of entries are expected, artists and viewers alike are sure to be challenged, amused, and awed by the variety of media and the creativity involved in making these works of art.

   For more information and a formal prospectus with entry forms, downloadable in pdf format, go to www.athensartscouncil.org or call (423) 745-8781. The prospectus is also available from high school and college visual art instructors in the designated counties, and at the E.G. Fischer Library and Keep McMinn Beautiful office in Athens, TN.

    The Arts Center in Athens, TN is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information or directions, go to www.athensartscouncil.org or call (423) 745-8781.