Upcycled into Art

What can you create from something

that might otherwise be thrown away?

Students and families are invited to turn recycled and repurposed materials into original works of art for Upcycled into Art, a one-day competition and exhibit held during A Birthday Party for Hayner: 50 Years of Fun on Saturday, August 1.

Build a sculpture from cardboard, create a picture with bottle caps, give old fabric a new purpose or surprise us with an idea of your own. Your artwork can be silly, beautiful, clever, practical or completely unexpected. The important thing is to get creative and give everyday materials a second life.

There is no entry fee, and one entry may be submitted per student or family.

Who Can Participate?

Awards will be presented in three categories:

• Students in grades 1–6
• Students in grades 7–12
• Families creating one group project together

How It Works

Create your artwork before the event and bring it to the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center on August 1.

Artwork drop-off: 11:00–11:30 a.m.

Exhibit opens: 11:45 a.m.

People’s Choice voting: Noon–1:30 p.m.

Winners posted: 1:50 p.m.

Artwork pickup: 2:00–2:30 p.m.

The artwork will be displayed outdoors in the Hayner Center’s Courtyard from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In the event of rain, the exhibit will be moved inside.

What Can I Use?

Most of your artwork should be made from recycled materials or objects that had a former life. Think cardboard, paper tubes, boxes, containers, fabric scraps, lids, packaging, old toys or other clean materials that can be safely transformed into art.

Adhesives, fasteners, ink, paint and similar art supplies do not need to be recycled.

Please do not use hazardous materials, sharp objects or anything else that could pose a danger to participants or visitors.

Artwork Size

To make sure every piece can be safely displayed:

Two-dimensional artwork may be no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet.

Three-dimensional artwork may be no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet.

Artwork intended to hang must include a sturdy and secure hanging device.

People’s Choice Awards

Guests attending the Hayner Center’s birthday party will help choose the winners. Voting ballots will be available at the event Information Tent from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The winning artist in each student category will receive an art supply kit. The winning family project will receive a gift card.

Special recognition will also be awarded for:

• Most environmentally friendly artwork
• Most creative use of recycled materials

Winners will be posted by 1:50 p.m. on August 1.

Important Information

All artwork must be picked up at the conclusion of the exhibit. Artwork that has not been collected by 2:30 p.m. on August 1, 2026, will become the property of the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center.

The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is a family-oriented community center. Its Board of Governors reserves the right to determine which items may be displayed. Submitting artwork indicates agreement with the competition conditions and grants the Hayner Center permission to photograph the artwork and use those photographs for publicity purposes without compensation.

Join the Birthday Party

Upcycled into Art is part of A Birthday Party for Hayner: 50 Years of Fun, a free celebration for the entire community on Saturday, August 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Along with the art competition, families can decorate cake, visit birthday party stations inspired by five different decades, play games, create art and enjoy live entertainment.