Creative reuse focus of McCandless' first Recyclable Art Show

Got junk? Don’t toss it, turn it into something that tickles the imagination for McCandless’ first Recyclable Art Show in August.

“The idea for the art show was developed by members of the town’s Environmental Advisory Committee, who were looking for ways to involve the public, said John Bojorski, a spokesman for the town. “One of the members, Deawna Alfonsi, saw something similar to this and brought it to the committee, who were very interested.”

To give people an idea of what can be done with recycled material, environmental committee members and representatives from the North Hills Art Center helped families attending the second anniversary for the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage Center on May 18 create a mural out of bottle caps.

The piece is on display in the lobby of town hall.

“We’re putting on this show to demonstrate that we all can be creative and still promote good environmental habits,” Bojorski said.

Submitted art pieces will be on display Aug. 5 to 17 at the North Hills Arts Center, which will host a reception for the show from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16.

The reception is an open-house style event to view the winning pieces in the show, which will be recognized at 7:30 p.m.

Winning pieces from the show in August will be on display at McCandless Community Day on Sept. 14 at the Devlin Park Complex.

Here are the requirements for submitting a piece for the all-ages show:

• Maximum weight: 10 pounds

• Maximum size: 2-feet-by-2-feet

• Materials: Must be made of reused or recycled items. No hazardous materials such as batteries, chemicals or weapons.

• Rules: Pieces must be family-friendly — no profanity or obscenities permitted. Artist’s name, telephone number and email address should be placed on back or bottom of piece.

More information as well as ideas and resources is available online.

Art for the show can be dropped off at the North Hills Art Center from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. on Aug. 1 and 3; and from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 3.

The art center is located at 3432 Babcock Blvd. in Ross.

Art pieces that do not win a ribbon at the show can be picked up following the Aug. 16 reception or from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 17.

Winning pieces will be held for display at Community Day and can be picked up at Town Hall from Sept. 16 to 20.