Old junk will become creative masterpieces at the 16th annual TrashedArt Contest, set to transform the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System this March and April.
The event invites artists and innovators to turn discarded items into eye-catching works of art, proving that one person’s trash can truly be another’s treasure.
Patrons will have the chance to view photographs of the artwork and vote for the “People’s Choice” awards in person at any of the nine Mercer County Library branches or online.
Winners will be announced during the TrashedArt Contest Reception at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m.
The contest is open to adult patrons ages 14 and up who live, work or attend school in Mercer County. Participants can only submit one entry each, and groups or classes may participate if they register ahead of time.
All entries must be original artwork no larger than 2.5 feet in any dimension and no heavier than 10 pounds. At least 75% of the material used must be recycled content such as metals, paper, plastic or cloth.
The library will accept entries starting Tuesday, Feb. 25, through Tuesday, March 4. The selected artwork will be displayed at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch throughout March and April.
Entries will be judged anonymously by local artists and representatives of the Mercer County Library System. Judging will be based on creativity, originality and artistic merit.
The grand prize winners—first, second and third place—will be announced at the reception on April 22. Winners will also be featured on the MCLS “Behind the Books” podcast and on the library’s social media platforms.
Photographs of the submitted artwork will be displayed in person at each branch and online, where patrons can vote for the “People’s Choice” awards. Each branch will announce its “People’s Choice” award winner at the TrashedArt reception.
The TrashedArt Contest Reception is sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library, a group that supports programs such as book clubs, contests, workshops and other events for both adults and children.
For more information about the contest and other programs, visit www.mcl.org.
