Lost and Found: Art with Found Objects 2025

The City of Lafayette Arts & Cultural Resources Department is hosting a call for entry for Lost & Found: Art with Found Objects, a group exhibition featuring artwork made by Colorado artists from found and/or recycled, repurposed materials. The exhibit will hang at The Collective Community Arts Center from July 16 to September 21, 2025. Aligning with the City of Lafayette's mission of sustainability and waste reduction, the exhibition seeks artists skilled in the use of varied, somewhat unexpected materials. Artwork should demonstrate the importance of conserving limited natural resources and present the artist's intention or concept using media relating to the upcycle and recycle movement.

Entries must incorporate at least 50% recycled, repurposed, or reused materials. Any repurposed substrate should be counted in the calculation of the percentage of material that is recycled. The theme of each artwork is open. Both 2D and 3D works will be considered, and freestanding works are welcome. The exhibit will feature approximately 30 pieces of 2D wall-hung works and 10-12 sculptures or 3D works. Safety and stability of pieces are priorities. All works must be appropriate for all ages viewing. The exhibit will be juried by a panel of City of Lafayette Arts and Sustainability Departments staff, who will consider artists' implementation, skill, and overall artistic merit.

There is no entry fee required. Artists must be able to deliver or ship their artwork by Monday, July 14 or Tuesday, July 15. Shipped work must include a prepaid return label. All wall-hung artwork must have sturdy hanging wire or D-rings compatible with the city gallery hanging system and must not exceed 40 pounds. 3D sculptural works must be sturdy and stand on their own or have a display stand. Eligibility is limited to Colorado-based artists. Submit artwork and information via CaFE, including artist contact information, JPG images (at least 3 and no more than 5 artworks per artist), artwork information, list of recycled and repurposed materials used, and an artist's statement focused on the work submitted. The submission deadline is Thursday, May 15, 2025. Notification date is Friday, May 30, 2025. The exhibit reception is Friday, July 18, 6-8pm. Artwork pick up is Monday, September 22, 9am-5pm.