Artists must use recycled materials in this challenge to turn trash into treasure

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. That’s the challenge behind the first Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Unbelievable RipCycle Art Contest.

Ripley’s is in search of artwork made from recycled or upcycled materials. Media could include metal, aluminum cans, cardboard, toilet paper, coffee filters, staples, toothpicks, wrappers – anything that might normally end up thrown away.

The goal? Turn that garbage into gold.

“We’re out to find amazing pieces – especially three-dimensional sculptures – that bring a smile to your face and make you say WOW! The more unusual the medium used, the better,” said Edward Meyer, Ripley’s VP of Exhibits and Archives. “This contest is a great opportunity for an artist to get worldwide exposure for their work.”

Prizes for the top 5

The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $2,000 and be featured in both the next Ripley’s annual book and the world-famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! cartoon, the longest-running syndicated cartoon in journalism history.

Second prize receives $1,500, third $1,000, fourth $500 and $100 for fifth. All entries will be in the running to go on display at one of the 32 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums around the world.

How to submit entries

There are three ways to enter the contest.

  • Mail entries to Ripley’s; the mailing address is on the contest web page
  • Use the web form on the contest web page
  • Tweet or Instagram an entry using #RipCycle

Questions about entries should be sent to Angela Johnson at johnson@ripleys.com.

The contest runs from May 29 through September 10. For contest rules and other details, please visit www.ripleys.com/RipCycle.

For images of works of art made from recycled materials that are currently in the Ripley’s collection, please visit http://bit.ly/1G9pNvY.

Ripley Entertainment Inc.Edward Meyer, 407-345-8010VP, Exhibits & Archives407-492-8256 – cellmeyer@ripleys.com