Two-day event showcases artwork made of recycled materials
VANCOUVER — Clark County will host the 13th annual Recycled Arts Festival, presented this year by McCord’s Vancouver Toyota, in Esther Short Park later this month. The popular two-day event showcases artwork made of recycled materials.
The free festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., June 23, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun., June 24. Attendees who show their reusable mugs or water bottles at the information tent will be entered in a special drawing.
More than 130 artists will sell items, such as metal and glass garden art, sculptures, mosaics, jewelry, clothing, furniture, birdfeeders and wall art made of at least 75 percent recycled material.
The family-friendly festival also will include:
- Music on the stage, beginning at 9:30 am Saturday and Sunday.
- Children’s Craft Tent, hosted by Art ala Carte, with recycled materials to create art and masks for the Procession of the Species.
- Sculpture garden displaying large pieces of recycled art.
- Robot demonstrations by high school robotics teams.
- Tossed and Found display, showcasing items gleaned from the landfill that could be reused or repurposed.
- A tiny house, showing how it’s possible to live in an 8-foot-by-20-foot space.
- Foot carts offering a variety of delicious food, including Banh Mi sandwiches and jambalaya.
“The Recycled Arts Festival celebrates creativity while promoting environmental sustainability,” said Sally Fisher, Clark County Public Health environmental program coordinator. “I’m always amazed at the novel ways these artists turn trash into art.”
Additional festival features
The Falconer will bring live birds of prey to educate the public about wildlife conservation. Human habits, from toxic chemicals used in gardening to throwing litter on highways, directly affect the wellbeing and survival of these majestic animals. The Falconer’s feathered friends and team of experts will be in the northeast section of the park on Saturday and Sunday.
Repair Café Clark County will provide demonstrations 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun., June 24, and information about free repair events throughout the year. Attendees can bring garden tools (pruners, loppers, hedge clippers, trowels, shovels, mowers and weed eaters) for free sharpening. Limit two per person.
Returning this year is the Procession of the Species, a parade that celebrates the natural world through art. The parade begins at 11 a.m. Sun., June 24. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. The free parade is open to people of any age.
Free workshops are available to help participants create masks and costumes to represent animal species or elements, such as fire, earth and water. Repurposed materials will be supplied, and participants are welcome to bring their own materials, as well.
Costume workshops are scheduled for:
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fri., June 15, at Vancouver Community Library, Skamania Room, 901 C St.
- 10 a.m. to noon Sat., June 16, at Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E. 18th St.
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fri., June 22, at Vancouver Community Library, Skamania Room, 901 C St.
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., June 23, at Recycled Arts Festival Children’s Craft Tent, Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St.
Register for workshops at www.recycledartsfestival.com/pots.
Free parking will again be available in the garage at northeast 14th and Franklin streets. A shuttle bus will run regularly between the gazebo in the plaza at northeast 13th and Franklin streets and the north side of Esther Short Park, providing a good option for people carrying purchases. Heavier items can be left at a secure loading area at the northeast corner of the park and picked up later.
Additional information
The Recycled Arts Festival, organized by Clark County Public Health, emphasizes the importance of reducing and reusing discarded materials. Limited edition 2018 festival T-shirts will be available for $16 at the information booth. For more information, visit www.recycledartsfestival.com.
Volunteers are still needed. Volunteer at the festival and get a free T-shirt and lunch.
The Washington Festival and Events Association recognized the event with the Community Impact and Grand Summit awards for benefiting the community and being the best overall event in Washington.
