Recycled Art Show Ends Fizz Boom READ Creatively!

Alexander County Library had a wonderful turnout for their Recycled/Re-Purposed Art Show on Saturday, July 26 at the library.  This was the final all inclusive program event for Fizz Boom READ, the summer reading program. Patrons were amazed at the creativity used to create the 31 artworks on display.  The art contest was open to all Alexander County residents. 

Take a look at the awesome works that were submitted!

5 age divisions were juried – Adult, High School, Middle School, Elementary, and Preschool. Prizes were given to the top artwork in each division.

Recipients were:

Preschool Division – Carson Millsaps, son of Adam and Natalie Millsaps of Taylorsville, for “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” made from an egg carton.  Carson received 5 free Happy Meals from McDonald’s of Taylorsville provided by the restaurant.

Elementary Division – Evie Daniels, daughter of Mandy Norton of Taylorsville, for “Computer (FaceBook)”made from a Giovanni’s takeout box.  Ironically, Evie received a $20 gift certificate for Giovanni’s provided by the restaurant.

Middle School Division – Stephen “Alex” Pardue, son of Stephen Pardue of Taylorsville, for “Enlightened Roses” created with a light bulb, newspaper roses, and a coat hanger. Alex received 2 free Village Inn pizza buffets and drinks from Village Inn of Taylorsville.

High School Division – Sarah Johnson, daughter of Paul and Lisa Johnson of Bethlehem, for “Wonderland Dreams” created from various recycled items such as broken glass, tin foil, an old doll, even an old music box. Sarah received a $20 gift card from Mexico Viejo provided by the Taylorsville restaurant.

Adult Division – Bud Caywood of Bethlehem for “The Killing Field” created from “’road carnage’ found at the intersection of NC Highway 127 South and US 321 South in Mountain View, Catawba County.” Caywood’s disturbing piece reminds the viewer that “automobiles are killing machines” and “we are surrounded by a killing field.” Caywood received 2 dinner theatre tickets for any Hiddenite Center show within the next year provided by the center.

A Best In Show prize - a free one year membership for The Hiddenite Center provided by The Hiddenite Center – was determined by patron vote. “Enlightened Roses” by Stephen “Alex” Pardue was named Best in Show.

A free hot dog cookout, sponsored by Alexander Friends of the Library, followed the exhibition.

Judges for the contest were: Leslie Newton of Hickory, a portrait painter specializing in pet portraits; and Laurie Childres of Hickory, owner of Carolina Classical Glass, whose art objects are many times created from recycled/re-purposed items.  Contact Mel Hager at the library if you would like more information about these artist judges.

Alexander County Library thanks all of the artists for their entries.  They would also like to thank The Hiddenite Center, Mexico Viejo, Ray Lackey Enterprises and Village Inn, Giovanni’s of Taylorsville, McDonald’s of Taylorsville, Mays Meats, Food Lion, and Kenny Arnold for their donations.   Thanks also to the Town of Taylorsville for the use of picnic tables.

Programs could not be held without volunteer assistance.  The library wishes to thank Alexander Friends of the Library Larry and Kathy Riddle, Brenda McRae, and Dave Baseler for cooking and serving the hot dog lunch.  Also, thanks to teen volunteers Katie Austin, Ally Bebber, Marcos Cazares, Courtney Gant, Allison Hager, and Meilin Tan for their assistance to set up and take down the show.

August is Art Appreciation Month and all works will be displayed at the library for the month. Stop by Alexander County Library and check them out – so to speak.

Have a great rest of your summer!

Mel