An “upcycle” art show is coming to town on Earth Day, with proceeds benefiting the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
At the April 20 event, the nonprofit will auction off upcycled artwork – work repurposed from items found in the chapter’s ReStore. The show will raise funds for the nonprofit’s current home build and aims to “bring visibility to Habitat’s mission of creating affordable pathways to home ownership,” said Molly Greenlee, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Montezuma County.
“And just valuing the vision of the ReStore as well, which is to sell quality, used furniture, household items and appliances,” she said. “And again, the ‘Re’ part of the ReStore is the value of recycling.”
The ReStore along U.S. Highway 160, next to Belt Savage, sells gently used appliances, furniture, building materials and household goods. Profits support Habitat for Humanity of Montezuma County.
This is the fundraiser’s first year for the local Habitat chapter.
The Habitat fundraiser was modeled after other upcycle shows, but it’s also something staff have wanted to do for a while as a way to feature local artists.
“We have a little space in the store where we’ve featured some of our patrons’ do-it-yourself projects using ReStore materials in the past,” Greenlee said. “And we’ve seen really cool stuff.”
Participants were asked to create artwork incorporating an item or two they selected from the ReStore. So far, about 25 artists have signed up, using items such as chairs, wood paneling and other furniture, Greenlee said.
“We have one local artist who routinely comes and looks at our metal scrap bin,” she said. “He has used some metal scraps along with some repurposed silverware, for just really neat metal sculptures.”
The products will then be auctioned off at the Saturday show, which will take place from 4-6 p.m. at The People’s Place, 215 E. Main St. The event will be operated by a committee of Habitat volunteers, who have set a fundraising goal of $1,500, Greenlee said.
Local artists Rosie Carter and Bonnie Brennan will judge the show, awarding first, second, third, and People’s Choice prizes.
For more information, call the ReStore at 565-8327.
ealvero@the-journal.com