upCycle

A Community Sculpture Event

 
 
 
 

Garford Arts Fest, Elyria Arts Council, and Elyria Bike Center are teaming up for a new community sculpture contest—upCycle! Celebrating art and Earth Day (because the Earth without art is just 'eh'), this collaborative event promotes creativity, sustainability, and local engagement.

Sculptures will be displayed at the Elyria Arts Council and voted on by both the community and a committee of Garford Volunteers. All funds raised support the programming of Garford Arts Fest.

 

Event Details

  • Open House Showcase: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 5-8 PM at Elyria Arts Council

  • Voting Period: April 26 - May 17, 2025 (Lorain County Beautiful Day)

  • Entry Drop-off Dates: April 17-19 & April 23-25 (11 AM - 3 PM) at Elyria Arts Council

  • Entry Pickup Deadline: May 31, 2025

  • Entry Fee: $10 for students, $20 for adults or groups

Contest Categories

  1. Hanging Sculpture - Flat art designed to be hung on a wall. It can include three-dimensional elements (projections must not exceed 5 inches). Size limit: 48x48 inches. A sturdy hanger must be attached to the back.

  2. Free-Standing Sculpture - Must fit within a base size of 48x48 inches. The sculpture must be able to fit through a standard 36” door.

  • Design - Create something unique!

    Use of repurposed materials - We celebrate finding beauty in the mundane, the materials used will be considered in our selection for “Best In Show”

    Kinetic features - Sculptures do not have to move, but its cool if they do! We have a prize category just for these!

    1. Required Material - Each sculpture must include at least one bicycle rim. (Provided with paid registration)

    2. Materials - Use clean, non-perishable items for construction.

    3. Restrictions - No live or dried plants may be used.

    4. Powered Sculptures

      • All electrical components must be self-contained, with batteries provided by the artist.

      • Sculptures must have a shutoff switch, and batteries must be removable.

      • Battery capacity is limited to 100Wh per sculpture (volts x amps = Wh).

  • Each sculpture will have a numbered donation jar.

    • Attendees can vote by placing money in the jar of their favorite piece.

    • The sculpture with the most funds at the end of the event is declared the winner.

    • Certificates will be awarded for

      • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

      • Best Kinetic Sculpture

      • Best in Show

    • All proceeds go toward supporting Garford Arts Fest.

Registration Information

Pre-registration is recommended due to limited space! Registration includes one bicycle rim, supplied by Elyria Bike Center (while supplies last). Additional bike parts can be purchased from Elyria Bike Center (419 Middle Ave).

To Register:

  1. Complete the entry form and submit it to Elyria Arts Council, Elyria Bicycle Center, or via email at garfordartsfest@gmail.com.

  2. Rims will be provided at the time of registration.

  3. Space is not guaranteed until payment is received!

For more information, email us at garfordartsfest@gmail.com.

Registration Form (PDF)