Reclaimed Visions: The Art of Upcycling

An Environmental Juried Exhibition

Jack Sinclair Gallery Exhibit

Exhibition Dates:

April 12, 2025  - May 24, 2025

Extended Deadline for Submissions:

Sunday, March 23, 2025 

11PM

Eligibility:

• Applicants must reside in the United States.

Application/Entry Fee:

• $40 - To submit for this juried exhibition you need to have a current 2025 ArtsXchange membership. Annual ArtsXchange memberships start at $40 (non refundable).

• FREE for current 2025 ArtsXchange Members.

How do I become an ArtsXchange Member?

• Visit our membership page and check out the different membership levels & benefits. Select/purchase the membership level that works best for you.

How do I check my ArtsXchange membership status?

• Log in to your ArtsXchange Account and check your membership status or contact us and we can check your membership status

Reclaimed Visions: The Art of Upcycling - Exhibit Theme

Open to artists across the United States who create work using discarded materials. Cash awards will be given to selected participants. Upcycling is the art of transformation—giving discarded materials new life and purpose. Unlike recycling, which breaks down materials for reuse, upcycling elevates them, turning waste into something of greater value. Upcycled art is more than a creative practice—it’s a powerful statement on sustainability. By transforming discarded materials into thought-provoking works, artists can shed light on environmental issues, encourage sustainable habits, and inspire meaningful change. Upcycling not only reduces waste and conserves resources but also challenges us to see beauty and potential in what others might throw away.

We invite you to submit artworks that explore themes of overconsumption, waste, and consumerism. Your creations are more than just art—they are a call to action, urging viewers to rethink their habits and engage in a broader conversation about sustainability.

Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to participate, using upcycled materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, metals, and rubber. Additionally, incorporating energy-efficient techniques and low-impact installations can further demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility. Your innovative approach to repurposing discarded materials can help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prevent pollution.

Recommended books for further research on exhibition theme

To assist you in preparing your submission for the Reclaimed Visions: The Art of Upcycling - An Environmental Juried Exhibition, we have compiled a list of recommended books to explore the exhibition theme in more depth. These resources will help inspire your creative process and provide valuable historical, conceptual, and practical insights related to the theme.

• Raw + Material = “Art: Found, Scavenged, and Upcycled” by Tristan Manco

• “Junk: Art and the Politics of Trash” by Gillian Whiteley

• “Art & Ecology Now” by Andrew Brown

• “Form, Art and the Environment Engaging in Sustainability” edited by Nathalie Blanc and Barbara Benish

This exhibition coincides with the ArtsXchange Outdoor Earth Day & Environmental Summit on Saturday, April 19, 2025 — a day of workshops, hands-on training, and discussions focused on sustainability.

Awards:

1st Place: $300

2nd Place: $200

3rd Place: $100

Important dates:

Deadline for Submissions:

Sunday, March 23, 2025 

11PM

Artist Notification: 

Saturday, March 27, 2025

Artists will be notified if any of their works were accepted to be featured in the exhibition.

Artwork Drop Off:

Thursday, April 3, 2025

11AM - 4PM

OR

Friday, April 4, 2025 

11AM - 4PM

Opening Reception/ Award Presentation:

Saturday, April 12, 2025

3PM - 5PM

Artist Talk:

Saturday, April 19, 2025

3PM - 5PM

Artwork Pick Up:

Thursday, May 29 , 2025

11AM - 4PM

OR

Friday, May 30 , 2025

11AM - 4PM

Artwork Requirements:

• Artists can submit up to 3 pieces for consideration.

• All mediums accepted. 

• Wall-hung art must have wire for hanging only (no saw-tooth hangers). 

• Wall-hung art size restriction 24” x 36”.  

• Limited pedestals available for free-standing works. 

• 3D Floor Installation must be within 4-foot diameter

• Digital display panels must have wall-mounting hardware (Contact us to discuss digital presentation.)

• Artists are responsible for all costs (and arrangements) for delivery and pick-up. 

• All artworks must arrive at the gallery professionally framed, well-presented, wired, and ready to hang at drop-off/delivery.

Application Requirements:

• Artists can submit up to 3 pieces for consideration.

In order to submit your application you will need the following information:

1. Contact Information

   1. Full Legal Name / Artist Name

   2. Website / Social Media Handles - Optional

   3. ​Email

   4. Phone Number

   5. Mailing Address

2. Artist Bio - PDF

   1. File Name Format : First Name_ Last Name_Artist Bio

3. Artist Statements/ Artwork Details - PDF - (Max 15MB)

   1. Please use provided Document Template

   2. File name format : First Name_Last Name_Artist Statements_Artwork Details

   3. ​Artist Statements:

      1. 300 words max per entry

   4. Artwork details must include:

      1. Artwork Title

      2. Medium

      3. Dimensions

      4. Year

      5. Price

      6. For Sale / Not For Sale

4. Artwork Images - JPEGS - (Max 15MB)

   1. File name format : First Name_Last Name_Name of Artwork​​​​

   2. Artists can submit up to 3 pieces for consideration.

Please note - Artwork will be disqualified if its quality is not accurately comparable to JPEG file submission.

Document Template

Artist Statement / Artwork Detail

Download, fill out and submit Artist Statement / Artwork Detail document with application. Must be uploaded to application as PDF file.

Copyright

By submitting artwork, the Artist guarantees copyright ownership is that of the Artist and grants the ArtsXchange the right to use accepted work for publicity purposes; the Artist will retain copyright of their artwork.

Insurance

ArtsXchange will not be responsible for damage of artwork in transport to or from the gallery. Insurance during transit is the responsibility of the Artist. ArtsXchange will insure the artwork against loss or damage while the artwork is in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition.

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Jurors

The artwork will be juried by a panel of the Gallery Committee and the guest Judge. Submission selections for the exhibition are made by the Gallery Committee. Juried awards are chosen by the guest judge. 

Submission Selection

Submissions will be judged on the: 

• Ability to communicate messages about recycling and environmental sustainability

• Incorporation of recycled materials into the artwork

• Power to inspire action

• Upcycled aesthetics

If you are not a current 2025 ArtsXchange Member you will not be able to fill out the application form.