Art From Trash

Art From Trash is an annual exhibition that encourages the reuse of discarded materials in the production of amazing visual art.

Established in 1993, the ART FROM TRASH exhibition has become an iconic and much loved exposé of creativity. Attracting over 120 artists and 5000 visitors annually, this event has proven itself as a powerful and much needed change agent for a better future.

Makers of all ages, styles and stages, from emerging talent to established practitioners, schools and community groups exhibit alongside each other in an exhibition of increasingly accomplished and thought-provoking works of art.

A message from our organisers…

AFT 2026: 30 years in the making!

A huge thank you, and congratulations to the 128 artists that contributed 150+ works to this years 30th Anniversary event. The age range of artists spread across from under 5 years old to over 75 years old. For 58 of our artists, this was their first time exhibiting. We are truly honoured to be a conduit for creativity and connection for our community, and grateful to be continuing the legacy of Art From Trash – now running for 30 years.

The depth with which all of you consider reuse materials grows stronger, and the dedication to continue creating is endless. So again, we thank you for all that you contribute and for always making this a highlight on so many people’s calendars. What a community!

We would also like to thank and highlight all of the incredible team from Resource Work Co-op (The South Hobart Tippy) that puts on AFT each year. It takes and enormous amount of dedication from so many within the co-op to make AFT happen, and we simply couldn’t do it without the likes of our Managers, Curators, Coordinators, Drivers, Opening Night Staff, Photographers and Gallery Sitters. Truly the best team of waste warriors!

ART FROM TRASH 2026 WINNERS!

The People’s Choice Winner for Art From Trash 2026 is “Shark” by Nick Adams!

MATERIALS: Copper from hot water cylinder, scrap wire (aluminium/copper/steel), cypress fence post.

Of Shark: “Avoiding the use of power tools I create animal inspired sculptures using materials at hand.”

Our winner for the Worn Issues Award 2026 is Georgia King with “Denim Blues”.

MATERIALS: Second hand jeans, a vintage Obi, vintage himo, dark grey miss-tint paint, stuffing from old pillow.

Of Denim Blues: “This garment is an expression of my love for Japanese culture and design. I want to continue giving old, soulful items another chance…”

Glenda Kent was crowned the Judges Choice Award winner with ‘Gramps’ & ‘Devilish’.

MATERIALS: pre-loved soft toys, vintage recycled glass, silicone.

Of Gramps: “exploring the connection between past memories and adult reality… once the comforter for past hurts, a holder of secrets, now the soft furry warm coat has been replaced with sharp, cold, hard, fragile shards of glass protecting the soft centre.”

Of Devilish: “Tourists buy souvenirs of endangered fauna as holiday memories, yet tourism places immense strain on the devil’s environment. Saddened by the roadkill when travelling. Devilish was once a beloved forsaken soft toy, now Devilish is a ‘voice’ for the endangered Tasmanian Devil.”

Our special winner of the Trash Rat: Independent Under 18ys Artist award is Emmie De La Torre for “Metamorphosis: A Ladybirds Life”.

MATERIALS: Wooden cotton reel holder, Kinder Surprise capsule, Easter egg foil, cable tie, tablet blister pack, hot glue, buttons, paint, shell, hairbrush bristles, Duck River butter foil seal.

Of Metamorphosis: “My mum inspired me to make some art from trash, because I loved watching her make her entry. We are learning about Life Cycles at school, and I love ladybirds. I like their spots, and their vibrant colours.”

A huge thank you to our fantastic sponsors for the 2026 exhibition!
Knowing how many wonderful people came together to support local art keeps the fire stoked for the years to come!