Vendors, artists, still sought
By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY - Artists are known for their innovative creativity and some of them find ways to combine their environmental concerns with that creativity.
Keep Indian River Beautiful will host a juried arts and craft show on Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its store inside the Indian River Mall. It will feature "up-cycle" art.
Some of the artists participating in the show have taken something old and unwanted and transformed it into something new and beautiful, said Vicki Wild, executive director of Keep Indian River Beautiful.
Hollowed out wood for candle arrangements, wind chimes made from glass bottles and art from crayons will be among the items on display, she said.
More artists, even those who do not necessarily specialize in up-cycle art, are welcome to join the fun art show.
Vendor spots are also available, Ms. Wild said.
Art show attendees are invited to purchase the art and other products in the store.
The nonprofit's store in the mall is a microcosm of the reuse and recycle idea, Ms. Wild said.
Cookie cutters, canvas, pipe cleaners, picture frames, chop sticks, magazines and neckties are just some of the items available in the reuse and exchange center for residents to breathe new life into.
At the same time as the art show, as part of a county-wide initiative, Keep Indian River Beautiful will be offering a build-your-own rain barrel workshop.
Workshop participants can pay $55 for a blue barrel to take home with them, or $65 if they want to decorate their barrel with help from local artists onsite, event organizers said.
Some rainwater barrels collect water directly from a downspout during rainfall and eliminate water collecting near the foundation of a home. Once collected, the water can be used to water plants, either by watering can or by connecting a hose and directing the water flow.
Rain barrels can also provide some protection for rivers and other bodies of water from runoff pollution.
Many times, rain barrels are constructed by modifying large containers that carried food.
Some other projects Keep Indian River Beautiful will be looking into for the future is creating gardening boxes or shelving from wooden pallets, Ms. Wild said.
To preregister for the rain barrel workshop, call (772) 226-7738 or email keepirbeautiful@gmail.com.
For more information, visit www.kirb.org.