Local artists 18 and older have the chance to pour their passions out and display their art in Cape Fear Studios’ newest exhibition. The theme is recycled art, which ties perfectly into the recent Project Upcycle workshops hosted by the arts organization.
These workshops were held on Saturday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 8 and introduced fun and free recyclable art activities for children ages 4 to 12.
The upcoming Recycled Art Exhibition is non-juried, meaning anyone can submit their work for display by paying an entry fee. Artists can enter one piece for $15 or two pieces for $25.
Entries will be accepted Aug. 20-21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the studio’s 148 Maxwell St. location. All entries must be for sale.
For artists who want to have their pieces in the gallery, the works in this exhibition should consist of at least 50% recycled human-made or organic materials, whether discarded or found. Both 2D and 3D works are welcome.
A small sampling of the types of work Cape Fear Studios will accept includes sculpture, pottery, paintings, photography and collages.
See their website for full details at https://www.capefearstudios.com/event-details/recycled-art-exhibition.
Art that highlights the environment around us and our duty to care for it has become more widespread alongside increased attention to preserving environmental health in a tech-forward age.
Reworking existing objects into artwork or newly functional items are two ways to reduce waste while making meaningful statements about consumerism and modern waste strategies.
According to Pandy Autry, president of Cape Fear Studios, the motivation for putting on this exhibition came directly from the Project Upcycle workshops. The classes allowed children to put together crafts made from recycled materials and show off their finished pieces afterward.
Some of the items the young creatives used to embody their innovation included egg cartons, ribbons, yarn, metal can pop tops and plastic lids.
Seeing the children express themselves through their completed artwork inspired the idea to hold an exhibition for adult artists to do the same while carrying on the eco-conscious theme. Gallery visitors can expect to see a range of creative reimaginings of once-used items.
“We’re most looking forward to the types of things people can make with the different materials and what people can do with their imagination,” Autry said.
Along with recognition among their community and the opportunity to unveil their talent, artists may be further motivated to enter with a first place prize of $125 and two honorable mentions with prizes of $50 each. A juror will be present to determine who receives the prizes.
“We’ll have someone judging the items and they will choose,” Autry said.
The exhibition will begin on Friday, Aug. 28, with the opening reception held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The pieces will remain on display in the Cape Fear Studios Main Gallery until Tuesday, Sept. 22. The gallery is located at 148 Maxwell St.
Learn more about this event by contacting Cape Fear Studios at artgallery@capefearstudios.com or 910-433-2986. RSVP for opening night by filling out the form at https://www.capefearstudios.com/event-details/recycled-art-exhibition/form.

(Photo: Cape Fear Studios will be holding an artists' reception for those who participate in the Recycled Art Exhibition on Friday, Aug. 28. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Studios.)