Make Junk into Art with the Hopewell Valley Arts Council

To prove that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” the Hopewell Valley Arts Council seeks daring and innovative artists, artisans, and creatives ready for an eco-art challenge at its newest community event: The Junkyard, an upcycle art exhibition.
The Junkyard will run from Friday, July 23 to Sunday, July 25 at Woolsey Park in Titusville, NJ, and will feature artwork created out of discarded or unwanted items destined for the landfill by Team Challenge participants as well as established professional and eco-artists. Additional features include The Kids Zone for artwork created by children and youth; The Green Zone for informative and educational environmentally-related displays; and The Marketplace where vendors will sell artisan and environmentally-related items.

In the current “call for artists,” the HV Arts Council invites interested participants for: 1) “The Team Challenge” to create imaginative original upcycled artwork in four (4) categories specified by the HV Arts Council, and 2) established artists to display artwork and sculpture made primarily from upcycled items. It’s a chance to think outside the box by creating musical instruments, sculptures, and beyond out of mostly… junk, of course! Displayed pieces must be sturdy enough to be displayed outdoors under a tent and remain in place for the entire exhibition. 

Artwork will be judged by a panel of artists and will be awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention for their entire display. Individual special awards will also be given to the best entry in each of the four challenge categories. Registrations will be accepted until June 30, 2021. Please register online at www.hvartscouncil.org/thejunkyard. There is no geographic residency requirement for participation. There is a small participation fee for non-members. Team Challenge opportunities are limited, and participants will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Exhibitors participating in The Gallery will include invited eco-artists and other established artists from the area. To be considered for The Gallery, please submit representative work with your registration for review and acceptance. 

Although not mandatory, artists are encouraged to be present during public viewing hours as much as possible to promote the artwork and answer visitors’ questions. Please see the HV Arts Council website for additional registration details and set-up and take-down times. 

For more information, the official “Call for Artists,” and registration, please visit www.hvartscouncil.org/thejunkyard.

Submitted by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to increasing art awareness and appreciation in the greater Hopewell Valley. We celebrate “art in the everyday” by cultivating all types of creative exploration and artistic expression, and encourage us all to see the beauty inherent in the simple and ordinary parts of day-to-day life. Through community collaborations, events, and art-based initiatives, the HV Arts Council highlights our local talents and enriches the cultural and creative life of our community.