The city of Las Vegas Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with Neighborhood Services, will present the 2026 Keep Las Vegas Beautiful Recycled Art Contest, inviting youth and adult artists to create original artwork using recycled or repurposed materials. As an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the city supports programs that promote cleaner, greener, and more beautiful communities, with recycling serving as a key part of this mission. The Recycled Art Contest offers a fun, creative opportunity for the community to participate by transforming recycled, reused, and repurposed materials into original works of art, bringing awareness to recycling while celebrating the talent of artists working in the Las Vegas Valley. 

 

Selected artwork will be exhibited at Charleston Heights Arts Center from November 4 - 30, 2026, with a public reception on November 20, 2026 to celebrate participants, showcase their work, and recognize contest winners. 

 

Please note: youth applicants must include a parent or guardian’s signature on the loan agreement, and a sample agreement is available upon request.

 

The 2026 Recycled Art Contest aims to:

• Promote recycling and creative reuse of materials.
• Provide the community with a fun way to participate in environmental efforts.
• Give youth and adult artists an opportunity to exhibit their work.
• Increase awareness of recycling and sustainability.
• Celebrate local creativity and artistic expression.
• Create a community-centered exhibition and reception.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Artwork will be evaluated based on:

• Artistic Excellence and Originality: Creativity, quality, and originality of the work.
• Use of Materials: Creative and effective use of recycled or repurposed materials.
• Creativity and Innovation: The artist's approach to transforming materials into artwork.
• Overall Presentation: Craftsmanship, visual impact, and readiness for exhibition.

JUDGING PANEL

The judging panel includes artists Karla Clolinger and John McVay, along with the Neighborhood Services team. Artwork will be evaluated on creativity, originality, quality, craftsmanship, and effective use of recycled materials.

AWARD CATEGORIES

The contest will recognize artists in designated award categories, which may include:

• Best in Show
• Best Use of Materials
• Youth Award
• Adult Award

Submissions will be accepted from September 16 to October 16, 2026, through the online appplication form. Following the submission deadline, the evaluation team will review entries and select artwork for the exhibition. Selected artists will be contacted with acceptance and artwork delivery information on October 23, 2026. 

Please click the link to apply: Recycled Art Contest Application

ARTWORK DELIVERY

Selected artists will deliver their artwork on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S Brush St., Las Vegas, NV 89107.

Artwork must arrive:

• During the designated intake period.
• In display-ready condition.
• Within the approved size and weight limits.
• With all necessary hanging or installation materials.

Artists will sign an Artwork Loan Agreement at the time of artwork intake. Reminder: a parent or guardian must be present to sign for youth artists.

SCHEDULE

• Call for Artists Opens: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
• Call for Artists Closes: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. PST
• Selection Notifications: Friday, October 23, 2026
• Artwork Delivery: Thursday, October 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Charleston Heights Arts Center
• Exhibition Dates: November 4 - 30, 2026
• Artist Reception: Friday, November 20, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., Charleston Heights Arts Center
• Artwork Pick-Up: Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Charleston Heights Arts Center

 

Please feel free to email if you have any questions:

Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Email: [email protected]

 

Please click the link to apply: Recycled Art Contest Application