Crafting is the art of turning ordinary objects into extraordinary things.

—Unknown

Cape Fear Studios will be hosting a workshop, Project Upcycle, on Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, at their studio at 148 Maxwell Street. The workshop, for children aged 4 to 12, is geared toward making art with recycled materials. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Admission is free for children participants, but registration is required. To register, visit https://www.capefearstudios.com/event-details/project-upcycle-2026-08-01-10-00

To continue with the recycling theme, the studio will also be hosting a Recycled Exhibition, running from August 28 to September 22. The studio is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a community exhibition; artists at all levels within Fayetteville and Cumberland County are encouraged to submit application forms. For more information and application submission forms, visit the Cape Fear Studios website at https;//www.capefearstudios.com.

Upscale recycling can be transformed into recycled art, a creative process that converts discarded, useless, or unwanted waste into something new and valuable. It promotes sustainability while challenging throwaway culture. Recycling art preserves the character of the original object, transforming it into pieces of greater cultural value.

Art pieces are varied, but an example of recycled art is a textured mosaic. These are created by discarded items such as buttons, seashells, bottle caps and glass and are arranged to create new formal narratives.

Pandora Autry, Board President, Cape Fear Studios, said the studio is looking for pieces to recycle.

“We are collecting the following clean items: paper towel rolls, toilet tissue rolls, egg cartons (paper) plastic lids, colorful larger plastic lids, peanut butter lids, metal bottle caps, miscellaneous items such as ribbons, fabric scraps, (small) yarn, buttons, etc.,” she said. 

People can bring these items to Cape Fear Studios.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see, “shares Edgar Degas. 

Experience the process of upcycle art with the children’s workshop Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, with Project Upcycle. Children aged four to twelve are encouraged to attend the workshop.

The Recycle Art Exhibition will be held at Cape Fear Studios beginning Aug. 28.