Someone’s trash is another’s art.
That’s the idea behind the Salvage Art Exhibit that will be on display at the Kenai River Festival from June 7 to 9 at Soldotna Creek Park. The show is in its fifth year and event organizer Jan Wallace said she expects another turnout of real “garbage.”
“It’s amazing to see the potential in things you throw away and make something creative and share it with the community,” Wallace said.
In an effort co-sponsored by ReGroup Recycling and the Kenai Fine Art Center, the Salvage Art Exhibit challenges young and old artists alike to engage their creative side while using only recycled materials. Wallace said entries must be composed of no less than 90% recycled items, with only additions like glue, tape and fasteners being allowed.
ReGroup is a community nonprofit organization that has been in operation since 1989. Wallace has been involved from the beginning and currently serves as vice president. She said Salvage Art is one of the events that the group looks forward to each year to get the community actively involved in recycling.
The creations that designers come up with? That’s a bonus in itself.
“People come up with the most incredible kinds of things,” Wallace said. “You never know what’s going to show up, but it’s intriguingly incredible.”
Wallace recounted several past entries, including standing robots made of metal crates, a Van Gogh painting reconstructed from colored rope, a flower bouquet composed of pieces from old kitchen appliances, and a dress made of plastic bags.
Wallace said anything goes, as long as its not dangerous or toxic.
The exhibit will be judged by the community and festivalgoers, and is separated into four categories — adult and youth divisions, as well as large and small divisions, with the smaller category meaning creations 2 feet or less in size.
“We hope we get to educate people about art and recycling,” Wallace added.
An art display sits at the 2018 Salvage Art Exhibit in Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo provided by ReGroup Recycling)
Jake Nabholtz displays his winning youth entry in the large sculpture category at the 2018 Salvage Art Exhibit in the Kenai River Festival. (Photo provided by ReGroup Recycling)
