Vancouver, Wash.  - Clark County will host the 12^th annual Recycled Arts Festival, presented this year by McCord’s Vancouver Toyota, in Esther Short Park late this month. The popular two-day event showcases artwork made of recycled materials.

The free festival takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 24, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 25. Attendees who show their reusable mugs or water bottles at the Information Tent will be entered in a special drawing.

More than 150 artists will sell items such as metal and glass garden art, sculptures, mosaics, jewelry, clothing, furniture, bird feeders and wall art made of at least 70 percent recycled material.

The family friendly festival also will include:

• Music on the stage, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday
• Art ala Carte will have recycled materials children can use to create art
• A sculpture garden displaying large pieces of recycled art
• Free tours of downtown on Couve Cycle, a multi-passenger, pedal powered party cycle (until 1 pm each day)
• Robot demonstrations by high school robotics teams
• Food carts

“The Recycled Arts Festival celebrates creativity while promoting environmental sustainability,” said Sally Fisher, environmental outreach specialist. “I’m always amazed at the novel ways these artists turn trash into art.”

Procession of the Species

New this year is the Procession of the Species, a parade that celebrates the natural world through art. Three free costume workshops will help participants create masks and costumes to represent animal species or elements such as fire, earth or water. Repurposed/salvaged materials will be supplied, and people are welcome to bring their own materials.

Costume workshops are scheduled for:

• 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 11, North Bank Community Art Studio, 1005 Main St.
• 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 18, North Bank Community Art Studio, 1005 Main St.
• 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, June 24, Recycled Arts Festival Children’s Booth, Esther Short Park

Register for a workshop at https://clarkgreenneighbors.org/pots. The procession will be 10 a.m. Sunday, June 25; registration will be 9:30 a.m. The free parade is open to people of any age.

Parking, shuttle bus

Also new this year is free parking in the garage at 14^th and Franklin streets, about a 10-minute walk from the festival. A shuttle bus will run regularly between the gazebo in the plaza at 13^th and Franklin streets and the north side of Esther Short Park, providing a good option for people carrying purchases. Heavier items can be left at a secure loading area at the northeast corner of the park and picked up later.

Additional information

For more information about the Recycled Arts Festival, visit RecycledArtsFestival.com.

The Recycled Arts Festival emphasizes the importance of reducing and reusing discarded materials. Organized by Clark County, the festival is an official event of the Portland Rose Festival.

The Washington Festival and Events Association recently recognized the event with the Community Impact and Grand Summit awards for benefiting the community and being the best overall event in Washington.

###

 

CONTACT
Sally Fisher
Environmental outreach specialist
Public Health
360.397.2121
sally.fisher@clark.wa.gov