There are few events that define Art From Scrap (AFS) more than the gallery’s yearly assemblage show. Since 1990, the S.B.-based nonprofit has provided the space and tools to teach youngsters about the environment through the arts. And the assemblage show, which began in 2001, raised more than $15,000 for the organization last year — in addition to providing a showspace for some of our community’s best-established and up-and-coming creators.
The show, which is held every July, always carries with it a theme, and 2010 is no different. Titled Green—More than a Color, this year’s exhibit gives an extra-special nod to the AFS mission statement and its goal to “promote a greater understanding of environmental issues, and to support and encourage creative exploration and expression in the arts.” With this in mind, entrants were encouraged to build their pieces around one found, green object from the Art From Scrap reuse store. And the resulting works—which range from functional plant stands to mosaics to dolls—are nothing short of inspiring.
Green—More than a Color hit the AFS Gallery walls June 12, but the show will hang—and the sale and silent auction bidding will continue—through to next Saturday, July 24. In addition, there are more than 60 different artists involved in this year’s exhibit, including well-know Santa Barbara names like Mary Price, Tony Askew, Dug Uyesaka, Dan Levin, Judy Nilsen, Stacie Bouffard, Betsy Gallery, Gretel Huglin-Ridge, Laura Lynch, Ron Robertson, and Hugh Margerum.
And while the exhibit can be viewed anytime during gallery hours, we encourage you to check it out (or check back in) on Saturday, July 24, between 5 and 8 p.m. It’s then that the gallery hosts its annual blow-out, a fundraising event that features music, food, and festivities, in addition to a formal artists’ reception for Green. Admission is $5.
The Art From Scrap Reuse Store and Gallery is located at 302 East Cota Street. For more on the exhibit, including gallery hours, call 884-0459 or visit artfromscrap.org.