Functional art pieces will be featured in select Downtown Vancouver businesses from Aug. 31-Sept. 11
VANCOUVER – Thousands of community members utilize the services of Columbia Springs’ Repair Clark County program each year. But what happens to the things that can’t be fixed?
“It’s such a shame to me when something can’t be repaired.” says Program Coordinator Terra Heilman. Part availability and item condition (among other reasons) sometimes leave some items unrepairable. “I began to ask myself, ‘What if we could turn some of these other broken items into lighting?’” and the ReLit upcycled lighting festival concept was born.
As it turns out, just about anything can be turned into a lamp. Unrepairable items with vintage features, cool lines, and chrome detailing are especially fun to upcycle. And the volunteer fixers in the Repair Clark County program have been busy doing just that – creatively giving items new life in preparation for the second annual ReLit, hosted by Columbia Springs.
This year’s event will include more lamps, more night themed programming, and an extra week of lamp viewing. Functional art pieces will be featured in select Downtown Vancouver businesses from Aug. 31-Sept. 11. They will then return to Columbia Springs and be visible from Sept. 13-28. Lamps will be available to bid on in a silent auction for the duration of the festival, allowing winning community members to bring home a one-of-a-kind, locally handmade lamp while supporting the nonprofit Columbia Springs.
ReLit 2022 will culminate on Sept. 28 with Compositions and Kilowatts – a creatively lit concert in the woods featuring an evening of music from Ben Cosgrove backlit by upcycled lamps. A meet and greet afterparty (featuring complimentary drinks and light hors d’oeuvres from Pomeroy Cellars, Heathen Brewing, and Boards+Bubbles) will follow – tickets are on sale now for the concert and afterparty.
How can you join the fun? Visit www.columbiasprings.org/relit! At this website you can purchase concert tickets and sign up to receive the ReLit lamp gallery walking tour map (and other updates). The walking tour is free, and makes a wonderful date night activity or family outing!
Those looking to get involved as sponsors or learn about lamp creation can email kylie@columbiasprings.org.
Also read:
- POLL: How would you rate the accessibility of Vancouver city officials for addressing community concerns?How accessible are Vancouver city officials to community concerns?
- Budget leader says funding for programs and services is safe, concern is demand for billions in new spendingSen. Lynda Wilson highlights safe funding for services despite looming demands for billions in new spending.
- After evading repeal, will Washington expand its capital gains tax to lower incomes?One member of a prominent Washington think tank suspects lawmakers are considering modifying the capital gains tax to generate more revenue for state coffers Brett DavisThe Center Square Washington A general income tax in Washington state appears to be off the table for now, even as voters retained the state’s capital gains tax by failing …
- Opinion: New audit offers another reason lawmakers should leave the state’s paid-leave program behindElizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, highlighting audit findings of double-dipping and program inefficiencies.
- Opinion: WA turns redder, despite faulty media reports that said otherwiseWAGOP highlights gains in Washington’s November 2024 election, challenging claims the state turned “bluer.”
- Vancouver City Council to host community forum on Nov. 25Vancouver City Council invites community members to share questions and ideas at a public forum on Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools.
- Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballotVancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs.