About the Trash to Treasure Art Challenge
The Trash to Treasure Art Challenge is a community art project that challenges us to consider the capacity for reuse of common items that are discarded, and how we can make more sustainable art by redefining our relationship to what we consider art materials and supplies.
It starts with a Community Cleanup during Earth Week, and ends with a group exhibition of found-object artwork! Participants are encouraged to clean up litter in their communities and use objects found in their cleanups to create artwork.
The goal of this art challenge is to encourage community members to use art to engage in public discourse, specifically exploring the intersection of individual self-expression, community identity, and environmental justice.
2026 Art Challenge
Create a piece of found-object artwork to participate in the Trash To Treasure Art Challenge. Selected works will be shown in a group exhibition.
2026 Submission Deadline: June 27, 2026
Artwork may be dropped off at Utica Creative Reuse starting Wednesday June 17, 2026.
Your submission must be dropped off by Saturday, June 27th to be included in the group exhibition!
Submission Requirements:
You will need to provide these details about your project:
- Date and location of your cleanup(s)
- How much garbage did you collect (number and size of bags filled)?
- A photo documenting your cleanup efforts (photography requirement can be waived if you are unable to photograph your cleanup!)
- A photo of your art project
Free Workshops:
Join us for a free workshop to learn more and practice different methods of creating found-object art!
Helpful Tips & Resources
Safety Tips for Community Cleanups
Found Object Art Resources
Creative Reuse Artists
Gallery: Trash to Treasure
See previous years’ works of found-object art!
Utica Creative Reuse 