By making choices and moving forward through the art-making process, we make connections, deepen our understanding, and gain confidence so that resilience-building skills will grow.
You may use your own supplies for this challenge or pick up a craft supply coupon* at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch or at Upcycle Creative Reuse Center's New Location.
*Craft supply coupons are limited.
Challenge Details
REsilience
Resilience is defined as our ability to recover quickly from difficulties. And, it is easy to assume that resilience applies only to truly difficult times. But, have you ever spilled your coffee and moved quickly to clean it up? Even small, sudden mishaps help us build resilience. By accepting that change is part of life, making new choices and taking decisive actions, you work toward your goals and build resilience.
At UpCycle Creative Reuse Center, our mission is to inspire all people to explore and create with reuse materials, and we believe that art-making is a process that builds resilience. Art challenges us to try new things, evaluate results and make adjustments. By making choices and moving forward through the art-making process, we make connections, deepen our understanding, and gain confidence so that resilience-building skills will grow.
UpCycle, in partnership with the Alexandria Library, invites you to build your resilience by creating art with reuse materials. From April to May 2022, we challenge you to create 2 or 3-D art no larger than 2’ x 3’ in size that incorporates food packaging. Creating with reuse materials like food packaging encourages resourcefulness and resilience, as you give new life to something that otherwise would have no use. The topic of your art is yours to choose. Here are some materials you might incorporate:
Boxes - cut into pieces or strips for the printed colors or use to contain your art
Plastic cartons, bottles and caps - cut, painted, strung together or changed with heat
Aluminum cans - cut open and into strips or shapes
Rice sacks, mesh or burlap bags - cut and sew or use for texture
Food wrappers - cut and use for their color and/or melded with heat
As you see, the possibilities are endless and often involve changing the materials. We are excited to see what you create.
Materials & Workshops
UpCycle will provide a limited number of free, mini-bags of supplies from our materials center, 5380-D Eisenhower Avenue, to participating artists. Materials postcard vouchers are available at UpCycle and the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch while supplies last.
Check UpCycle’s website for in-person opportunities to create in our studio.
The Art of REsilience Show
Through this challenge, we will come together as a community of artists to showcase our resourcefulness and resiliency through reuse art. You’re invited to share your creation two ways:
Post a picture of your artwork on social media and tag @UpCycleCRC and @alexlibraryva on Twitter, Facebook and/or Instagram between April 30 - May 25, 2022.
Drop your artwork off at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch of the Alexandria Library, 4701 Seminary Road, during operating hours between April 30 - May 20, 2022 to be hung in a show during June 2022. Please submit the form below with your artwork.
The Art of REsilience Art Exhibit
Presented by UpCycle Creative Reuse Center in collaboration with the
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch of the Alexandria Library
TITLE OF ARTWORK:_________________________________________________
NAME OF ARTIST:____________________________________________________
MEDIA USED:_______________________________________________________
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ARTIST STATEMENT:_________________________________________________
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CONTACT EMAIL: ____________________________________________________
CONTACT PHONE: ___________________________________________________
