Submitted by Ragfinery
The Lydia Place thrift store “Wise Buys” and Ragfinery are proud to present the debut of The Downtown Upcycle ThrowDown, an art and sustainable challenge event sponsored by Northwest Recycling, Inc. The event marks the first annual cooperative Upcycle Challenge featuring the two local and sustainably minded stores, coming together to make art from donated and discarded goods.
Official entry opens Monday, June 1, at both store locations. A $20 entry fee enables participants to spend $10 at each location for materials. Winners in “Wearable” and “Non-wearable” categories will each receive a $100 cash prize. One “Peoples Choice Selection” will win a prize basket of goods and services from Ragfinery, Wise Buys and other local businesses. Submissions are accepted through Friday, July 31, at 5:00 p.m.
The Downtown Upcycle ThrowDown aims to encourage artists and those artistically inclined to create and design a wearable or non-wearable item that features nearly 100 percent used/recycled goods. From plates to t-shirts, to discarded kimonos and linens – contestants must use their purchased materials from each organization to create their final design. Entries will be displayed at the former Dakota Art Gallery located at 1415 Cornwall Avenue during the Downtown Bellingham Art Walk on August 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The opening celebration will feature the artist’s submissions, an in-gallery Peoples Choice contest, local music provided by DJ Birdman of GMB Entertainment, cold beverages, and lots of sweet surprises. The event intends to add to the vibrancy of downtown’s art district and Art Walk, while raising awareness of Lydia Place, Wise Buys and Ragfinery and their unique and essential roles here in our community.
For details on the contest, entry packets or to request graphics/photos please visit http://www.ragfinery.com/?p=1374 or email Lydia Place Development and Outreach Director Shultzie Willows at shultziew@lydiaplace.org.
