Trash to treasure

Annual upcycling contest begins

In honor of October being National Book Month, the Jerry Falwell Library is hosting the 2nd annual Creative Upcycling Contest: Art Made from Books.

create — One of last year’s winners. Photo provided

Create — One of last year’s winners. Photo provided

As the event’s name indicates, the main medium for the contest is old books. When asked why books were the chosen media for this upcycling contest, Cindy Schmidt, the head of communications and customer services for the library, explained that books and libraries go hand in hand, so it was an obvious choice. But beyond that is the idea that books can “live on forever,” Schmidt said.

While some may cringe at the thought of cutting up a book, the contest seeks to provide a way in which scholarship can be continued, not destroyed.

“We want to showcase in the library that scholarship comes in many different forms … this is a way to highlight creative scholarship,” Schmidt said.

Participants must ensure that at least 75 percent of their final project is made from pages and bindings the books provide. To aid participants in finding supplies, a table in the library’s atrium is set up and kept stacked with old books while supplies last. In keeping with the upcycling theme, the books offered are ones that for various reasons needed to be recycled. Participants have a chance to take something that would have otherwise been thrown out and instead make something unique out of it.

Abbie Barber, a Digital and Studio Arts major and winner of last year’s Most Intricate Award, said that through her experience last year, she grew to appreciate upcycling as its own form of art.

“I think it’s really cool to take something old and make it new,” Barber said. “I think that’s a huge testament to the gospel and to how God takes us and He makes us beautiful.”

The contest is open to Liberty University students of all majors, residential and online, as well as to faculty and staff, although only students are eligible to win awards.

Awards include Best in Show, Most Original, Most Functional, Most Intricate, Most LU School Spirit, and People’s Choice Award.

Prizes include an iPad mini for the Best in Show and $50-$100 Visa Giftcards for the other categories.

The deadline for entree submissions is Oct. 19 at 9 p.m. at the library. Judging will take place Oct. 22 and the displays will be open for public viewing in the library the next day. The winners will be announced Oct. 23, with the exception of the People’s Choice Award.

The People’s Choice Award is new to the contest this year. Unlike the others that are given by the judges, this award is determined by the people. Voting can take place either in person at the library or online through one of the library’s various social media outlets, a decision that was made to include online students who want the chance to participate in the event. The entry that receives the most votes and likes combined will win the award. Voting will close Nov. 1 and the winner will be announced the
following day.

LAFOREST is a feature reporter.

One comment

  • I saw the display and loved it this week. Any chance there are pictures of the entries somewhere so I can share with others?

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