Submitted by Ragfinery
For two months, more than twenty art upcyclers have sewed, glued, spackled and glittered recycled and donated fabric, clothing and household goods to create their original art submission for The Downtown Upcycle ThrowDown, an art and sustainability challenge event created by Ragfinery and Wise Buys Community Thrift Store of Lydia Place. This creative and original art contest, sponsored by Northwest Recycling, Inc and The Downtown Bellingham Partnership marks the first annual cooperative “Upcycle Challenge” of these two local nonprofits. The culminating group show-off exhibition and ThrowDown takes place during the Bellingham Art Walk on Friday, August 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the new Hatch retail storefront located at 1302 Commercial Street in downtown Bellingham. Artist meet and greet, People’s Choice contest, live music provided by DJ Birdman of GMB Entertainment, cold beverages from Kulshan Brewery and Kombucha Town, and lots of sweet surprises top off this original art challenge featuring 100 percent recycled materials and 100% creativity.
From June 1 through July 31, artists were invited to participate in the first annual ThrowDown designed to challenge stereotypical paint and canvas and fabric fashion creations and push individuals to use materials that were once discarded and donated to create original works of art. A $20 contest entry fee afforded each participant two $10 vouchers to spend at each store for materials. From plates to t-shirts, to discarded kimonos and linens — contestants were challenged to see beyond the garment or the spoon — and stretch the limitations of what they could create. These and unseen fasteners (thread, tape, glue) were the only sanctioned materials for their pieces of work. Artists then chose to enter their piece in one of two categories – “Wearable” or “Non-wearable” for a chance to win two $100 cash prizes courtesy of Northwest Recycling Inc.
A jury of art lovers and Belle-brities will make the tough and exciting selection for both category winners. Jurors include Emily O’Connor — Lydia Place Executive Director, Shan Sparling — Ragfinery Manager, Nick Hartrich — Downtown Bellingham Partnership Executive Director, Kelly Hart — Allied Arts Executive Director, and Kelli Linville — Mayor Of Bellingham. An additional “People’s Choice Selection” will be orchestrated in real time by art walk participants during the opening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the winner being crowned at 9:00 p.m.
