"Horse Play" by Herb Clarke from Orange
It's not too late for residents of regional New South Wales to put their creative hats on and enter the annual Waste to Art competition.
Waste to Art is a community project encouraging all artists from school-aged to professional to showcase works made from reused and recycled waste materials. Held in the NetWaste region, the 2009/2010 Waste to Art is well underway.
The most inspiring entries from local competitions are featured in a regional exhibition. The 2010 exhibition will be held in Menindee from 5 June.
"The purpose of the project is to encourage the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle whilst changing attitudes about 'rubbish' and the waste we all create on a daily basis," explains Sue Clarke, environmental learning adviser, NetWaste.
"It gives aspiring and professional artists the chance to explore and share their waste reduction message and provides a wonderful opportunity for all community members to showcase their artistic ability."
NetWaste is a collaborative waste and resource management project which brings together 28 councils in central and western NSW. The total area NetWaste represents covers one third of the State and is home to more than 380,000 people.
This year, 20 councils are participating in the Waste to Art competition and exhibition. There are four stages to Waste to Art. Firstly, workshops are held in each region to encourage community members to get creative.
"The next stage is a local competition and exhibition in each participating council shire, which feeds into the third stage, the Regional Exhibition," says Clarke. "The final stage is a travelling photographic exhibition that showcases a selection of artworks from the regional exhibition."
"Little Ned" by Danial Buchan from Mudgee
Last year, more than 150 entries were chosen for the regional exhibition in Gilgandra. A range of artistic endeavours were represented, including posters, paintings, collage, drawings, sculpture, installation, video, soundscape, furniture, craft and wearable objects.
This year's competition is the sixth Waste to Art program in the NetWaste region. "It's a testament to the success of this initiative, so there is need for a celebration," Clarke says. "For this reason, lots of planning is going into making this event very special."
A two-day Weaving Workshop will be held in conjunction with the exhibition opening. "Traditional weaving methods will be taught but the materials used will vary. The good old plastic bag will be turned into a functional basket and a variety of other traditional and non traditional materials will be used."
"Topics for discussion will include 'ethical and sustainable gathering' and 'valuing traditional knowledge'. It is hoped that members from Indigenous weaving groups from around the region will join in and share their skills and experiences," Clarke says.
Waste to Art is open to all community members, from school students to professional artists, who currently reside in the NetWaste region. Visit the NetWaste website for details and to download an entry form, which contains a list of participating council areas.
The Regional Exhibition opens on 5 June and continues until 25 June at the Menindee Civic Hall (cnr Yartla and Perry Sts). The Weaving Workshop will be held over the weekend of 5 and 6 June at the same venue.
If you would like more information, contact Sue Clarke at NetWaste on 02 6393 8771 or email sclarke.netwaste@bigpond.com.