The RE Store, in partnership with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, presents Second Nature: A Mystery Box Challenge, a friendly competition for local artists in April. As a part of Allied Arts' 2017 Recycled Arts Resource Expo (RARE), participants will have access to a box of pre-selected random reclaimed materials from The RE Store to use in creating an art piece to be entered into a juried contest. The mystery box challenge is The RE Store's way of participating in the fifth annual RARE show. Hosted by Allied Arts of Whatcom County, RARE is a two-day exhibition held April 7 and 8 in downtown Bellingham. Made up of a series of artistic events showcasing creative ways to reuse, RARE includes fun activities, like: Welding Rodeo, Trash Fashion, Recycled Art shows, Procession of the Species, Appliance Derby, and The RE Store’s Second Nature: Mystery Box Challenge. "We're delighted to be partnering with The RE Store through this spring’s RARE events", says Katy Tolles, Artist Services Coordinator of Allied Arts. "The mystery box challenge is a fun way for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved — even people who consider themselves un-artistic." Inspired by the popular TV show Chopped, participants of the mystery box challenge will receive a box of mixed materials and then have two weeks to create an art piece that draws inspiration for the animals, plants and landscapes of the natural world. All items in the mystery box, including glass, ceramic, wood, metal and plastic pieces are reclaimed and recycled materials curated from The RE Store.
