Deadline approaches for Langley's trash art competition

People thinking of entering items in Upcycle Design Challenge must turn in their projects during certain hours on May 15 or 16.

Langley Township and the Langley Arts Council are hosting the third annual Upcycle Design Challenge which allows residents to enter their creative items that must be made from at least 75 per cent used or recycled items.

“There is so much enthusiasm surrounding this event,” said Krista Daniszewski, Township Solid Waste coordinator. “Participants are always eager to rise to the challenge, and the public is excited to see how waste items and things that were going to be thrown out can be repurposed into such unexpected creations. Langley is full of creative people and this is an opportunity for them to showcase their skill while doing something great for the environment.”

Past Upcycling Challenge creations have included coffee tables made out of hockey sticks and a salvaged door, dresses made from street banners and newspapers, a mat woven from discarded grocery bags, and an artistic steam roller fashioned out of a vintage sewing machine.

In the past, the event has been linked to Earth Day in April with the public exhibit held at the Langley Arts Council building, but it has been moved to May this year and features a display of all the entries at Willowbrook Shopping Centre as well as prizes.

The challenge is open to those 14 and older who live in the Township or City.

The Langley Arts Council will judge entries on their creative use of material, originality, percentage of reused material, practicality, and artistic merit. First place will receive $500, second place takes $200, and third place wins $100.

The public can view the entries from May 25 to 31, and vote early for their favourite. The winning artist will receive the People’s Choice Award and a $500 Willowbrook gift card. Prizes will be awarded during a reception being held at Willowbrook on Thursday, May 28, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Willowbrook Shopping Centre is also offering a draw for a $100 Willowbrook gift card, just for voting for the People’s Choice Award.

“While the Upcycling Design Challenge is a contest, the real winner is our environment,” said Daniszewski. “All upcycling pieces, large and small, keep items out of the landfill and help inspire people to rethink waste. As well, everything entered will make a great contribution to the display. All it takes is a little creativity and we really encourage people to give it a try.”

To take part, fill out a contest entry form, which can be found online at tol.ca/upcycling.

Contest entries and completed entry forms must be dropped off Friday, May 15 or Saturday, May 16, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Willowbrook Shopping Centre next to the Science and Nature Co, near Hudson’s Bay.