Where reuse meets creativity
By Caroline Spencer, Fundraising & Relationships Manager
Fans of reusing, repurposing, shabby chic and making something new from old are being invited to take part in an upcycling charity challenge over the summer.
Art in the Frame Foundation, managing charity of The Harbour Gallery Jersey, have joined forces with Acorn Reuse to provide an exciting, imaginative and environmentally friendly challenge.
Islanders are being invited to buy an item from Acorn Reuse in Trinity which they can then upcycle or repurpose. They have three months to create something new from their item, which can be anything from furniture to fashion.
The challenge will culminate in a silent auction in October and will be judged by Adrian Higham and his wife Tara Franklin of Hoof Brocante UK and Tara Franklin Antiques. Adi is best known as being one of the antique experts on the popular BBC1 TV series The Bidding Room.
During their stay in Jersey, they will visit Acorn Reuse and Tara, an expert in French vintage fabrics, will give an evening talk.
Harbour Gallery managing director Pat Robson said: ‘Acorn has an enormous variety of goods for sale from furniture, clothes, household goods and toys. Almost anything can be given a second lease of life and I am looking forward to seeing what amazing and creative ideas people come up with.
‘Adrian Higham and Tara Franklin will be here for four days and we are delighted to have such a wonderfully interesting couple to work with us and to be able to show them how much great work goes on in our island.’
Adults will be asked to pay a £5 entry fee to cover costs, but school entries (11-18 inclusive) will be free. There will be awards for the most inventive and wonderful piece in each age category, kindly provided by the Co-op. The challenge also has the support of Decorare at Miladi Parade, Longueville, who are giving 10% discount on any paint bought for this event and will advise on the best paint to use.
In October the challenge will culminate in an exhibition of the items and a silent auction at The Harbour Gallery in St Aubin. 50% of the sales will go back to the upcycler and 50% will go back to Acorn, which helps people who have a disability or long-term health condition with work and training opportunities.
Acorn Fundraising & Relationships manager Caroline Spencer said: ‘This is where reuse meets creativity. The great thing with this challenge is it’s so inclusive. Everyone can take part. I hope it inspires people who may never have tried upcycling before, as well as people who love it as a hobby.
‘We hope to have some entries from individuals who enjoy our upcycling projects at Acorn.’
The silent auction on 12 October, sponsored by Abaris Chartered Accountants and Cavendish Fiduciary (Jersey) Ltd, will be opened by the Harbour Gallery’s Patron Lady Dalton and her husband the Lieutenant-Governor Sir Stephen Dalton.
Entry forms are available from the Harbour Gallery Jersey and Acorn Reuse.