Second Use Building Materials challenges you (yes you- this competiton is for participants of all ages and abilities) to flaunt your repurposing skills in our annual Art + Design Competition.

THE CHALLENGE: Integrate at least one antique Foundry Pattern into a work of art or design piece. The Foundry Pattern can be reused without restriction within reason. (YES you can cut it up, paint it, combine it with other materials, etc. NO you can not grind it to a pulp and use the shavings in your guinnea pig’s pen and call it art).

WAIT, WHAT? Second Use salvaged over 14,000 Foundry Patterns from the Acrowood Foundry in Everett last December. They date back to the late 1800’s and were once used to cast parts for agricultural machinery. They are high quality wood, handmade, and a screaming deal. Each pattern is different and they range in size from a few inches to over 14′ feet.

ENTRY: Foundry Patterns are available at Second Use and available in a huge range of sizes. Prices range from just $1 to several hundred depending on scale. Participants will receive 20% off Foundry Patterns purchased for the design competition. You will be entered in the design competition upon checkout.

DEADLINE: Submissions must be delivered to Second Use by Sunday, September 11th.

JUDGING: Submissions will be judged by the public at our Annual Fall Fest on Saturday, September 17th from 12-6 at the Second Use Store. 8 prizes will be awarded!

PRIZES: 8 winners will receive between $150 and $25 in store credit to Second Use as well as a swag bag.

Best In Show

1st Place: $150 Store Credit + Second Use Swag Bag
2nd Place: $100 Store Credit + Second Use Swag Bag
3rd Place: $50 Store Credit + Second Use Swag Bag

Honorable Mentions

Most Creative: $25 Store Credit + Second Use Swag Bag
Most Outrageous: $25 Store Credit + Second Use Swag Bag
Most Practical: $25 Store Credit + Second Use Swag Bag
Most Ambitious: $25 Store Credit + Second Use Swag Bag
Best Craftsmanship: $25 Store Credit + Second Use Swag Bag

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: maryanne@seconduse.com

PSST: You can browse inspiration as well as tips and tricks for working with Foundry Patterns on the blog!

If you’ve been to Second Use in the last six months, you’ve seen the crates and crates and shelves and shelves of Foundry Patterns we salvaged from the Acrowood Foundry in Everett last December. You may have even glimpsed our Employee Foundry Pattern Design Competition or the Customer Project Gallery Submissions featuring the patterns. But you probably haven’t seen them in a glossy Art Dealer’s Guide or a local gallery- yet.

But local artist Tyson Grumm is about to change that. His series “A Round & About” uses foundry patterns sourced at Second Use as frames for surreal acrylic paintings. He describes the process of creating round paintings to fit within the as very challenging- and as the work evolved, the foundry molds seemed to become a metaphor to define his vocation as a mid-career artist. Not unlike his life, his art seems to be coming full circle, he reflects.

Don’t miss your chance to view these fascinating pieces at the Patricia Rovzar Gallery on Second Avenue from June 2-25th. And if you’re lucky and see this the day it was published, you might have time to make it to the artist reception tonight, June 2nd from 6-8!

Enjoy!

Do you have a project constructed from reclaimed materials you would like to share? Email photos and a description of your process to maryanne@seconduse.dev for the opportunity to be featured in our Customer Project Gallery!