TRASHEDart Contest

Contest Guidelines

Adults and teens (ages 14 and up) who live, work or go to school in Mercer County are eligible to participate. The contest is limited to one entry per artist.

Entries must be original artwork and no larger than 2.5′ x 2.5′ x 2.5′ and no heavier than 10 lbs.

Entries must use a minimum of 75% recycled content — metals, paper, rubber, glass (please, no sharp shards), plastic, cloth. A recycled item is one that has been manufactured and would be otherwise thrown away. Non-recyclable materials such as glue, paint, tape, etc. are permitted. For the purposes of this contest, natural materials such as rocks, dirt, bones, and sticks are not considered recycled.

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality and artistic merit. Artwork will be anonymously judged by local artists and representatives of the Mercer County Library System to determine grand prize winners in first, second and third place. Patrons can vote for the “People’s Choice” awards in person and virtually on the Mercer County Library System’s website.

How to Enter

Entries must be dropped off between: Tuesday, February 25, and Tuesday, March 4, 2025 to the Lawrence Headquarters Branch. Tape a copy of the TrashedArt 2025 Entry Form to the back of artwork. If the artist wishes to be considered for the People’s Choice Award, submit a photo of the artwork and the photo release form digitally (below).

Entries will be on display from Wednesday, March 5 to Tuesday, April 8, 2025. All MCLS branches will also display photographs of this year’s entries, and patrons will have the chance to judge them for the People’s Choice Award.

Grand prize winners in first, second and third place, will be awarded and announced at the TrashedArt Contest Reception at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Tuesday, April 22nd at 6:30 pm. Winners will have the opportunity to be featured on the MCLS “Behind the Books” podcast and featured on MCLS social media. Each branch will announce their “People’s Choice” award winners at the TrashedArt Reception as well. Please register online for the TrashedArt Reception at https://mercercounty.libcal.com.

TrashedArt entries must be picked up by 4:30 pm on Sunday, April 27. If prior arrangements have not been made, any unclaimed entries will become the property of the library. The Mercer County Library System is not responsible for any damage, theft or loss to art entries.

People’s Choice Award Form

If the artist wishes to be considered for the People’s Choice Award, please use this form to submit a photo of the artwork and the photo release form digitally.