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Artist in Residence Program

Applications for the 2026 Artist in Residence Program open February 9 and close on May 10!

Recology Western Oregon (RWO) and Arts Alliance of Yamhill County (AAYC) are pleased to announce the second annual Artist in Residence Program (AIR). RWO and AAYC aim to support the creation of art from recycled, repurposed, and discarded materials recovered from the Recology McMinnville Transfer Station and Recovery Zone. The Residency provides the two selected artists with access to discarded materials, a stipend of $1,000 per month, studio space at RWO’s McMinnville-based facility, and, at the close of the residency, a public exhibition in downtown McMinnville in Art Alley, graciously provided by Visit McMinnville during the Art Harvest Studio Tour.

By supporting artists who work with recycled materials, RWO and AAYC hope to encourage the public to conserve natural resources and promote new ways of thinking about art and the environment. Two four-month residencies will commence on Monday, June 1, 2026, and end on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

During their residencies, artists have scavenging privileges at the McMinnville Transfer Station and access to a studio space within the transfer station. RWO anticipates artists to create 10+ pieces of art during their 4-month residency. At the conclusion of the residencies, RWO and AAYC will host a reception and public exhibition featuring artwork made during the program. Each artist also contributes one piece of artwork to RWO’s permanent collection.

Questions? Contact our Waste Zero Specialist.

 

Blaine Niehus

Blaine Niehus brings to the AIR program a versatile, almost Swiss Army knife-like skill set fueled by creativity and curiosity. With a background as a professional welder for over eleven years, Blaine has always sought out artistic outlets alongside his trade, exploring drawing, welding, tattooing, and upholstery. His work reflects a deep appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the art of repurposing materials that others might overlook. Blaine’s philosophy is rooted in possibility; he pours his energy into every project and consistently achieves results. By combining technical precision with artistic imagination, he transforms discarded objects into thought-provoking pieces that challenge assumptions of value and inspire new ways of seeing. For Blaine, the creative potential is truly endless.

Jessica Husvar

For Jessica Husvar, art has always been a celebration of the natural world and the beauty of creation. She began painting during her college years out of a desire to see the world with constant wonder, a perspective that continues to shine through her work today. Over time, her practice has evolved from painting to large-scale murals and, more recently, to immersive three-dimensional art. Jessica’s work is infused with curiosity, reverence for the environment, and a commitment to growth, as she embraces every opportunity to push her artistic boundaries. Her pieces invite audiences to experience the world with fresh eyes, highlighting the interconnectedness between art, nature, and community. Through the AIR program, Jessica continues to explore how reclaimed and discarded materials can be reimagined into works that inspire reflection, joy, and stewardship.

Eligibility

Recology Western Oregon AIR program is open to local artists living in Yamhill County, as well as Recology customers residing in Polk County, and The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, working in any style or medium.

Participating artists are required to attend an orientation and training session at the McMinnville transfer station and McMinnville facility and observe proper safety precautions with respect to design, technical construction, and materials in the creation of artwork, including precautions reasonably required or recommended by RWO personnel. Participating artists will exercise complete control over the creative process, and all creative ideas and expressions will originate from the artists. However, RWO and AAYC reserve the right to reject artwork that is offensive or unacceptable for display to the general public. Such material may include but is not limited to:

  • Overtly pornographic or libelous content.
  • Overtly offensive religious or political content.
  • Content that includes any personally identifiable information.

Application Process

Applicants are asked to submit the following materials through an online form:

  1. Contact information: name, address, telephone number, email address
  2. Website address, if available
  3. Resume or C.V.
  4. An essay that addresses the following:
    • Artist’s Statement
    • Statement of Purpose. Please describe what you plan to work on during the residency and how you will incorporate recycled materials. Additionally, please answer the following questions:

1. What encouraged you to apply for this residency?

2. What medium do you generally work in?

3. What types of tools do you generally work with?

5. Four samples of past work. Please submit high quality JPEG or similar format.

6. Contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) for two references that can speak to your artistic practice.

All application materials must be submitted through this form or emailed to kklienstuber@recology.com.

Nota Bene: Artists interested in collaborating on a project must submit individual applications and appropriate work samples, along with a joint description of the work they intend to do at the Residency. An example of a previous collaborative work (either completed or in progress) may also be submitted. Admission status is determined by averaging the individual application scores of all collaborators.


Selection of Artists

Our Selection Committee, composed of RWO staff, AAYC staff and/or Board members, arts professionals, and environmentalists, review applications and select two finalists to participate in the program.

The Committee evaluates submissions based on the artists’ demonstrated commitment to resource conservation and recycling through art, the quality of previous work, and the artist’s application and references.


Important Dates

Application period opens Monday, February 9, 2026
Submission deadline Sunday, May 10, 2026
Candidate Interviews Thursday, May 14 & Friday, May 15, 2026
Notification of acceptance Friday, May 15, 2026
Orientation Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Residencies start date Monday, June 1, 2025
Residencies end date Wednesday, September 30, 2025
Exhibition date First two weekends in October 2026
(Art Harvest Studio Tour)

AIR Program Exhibition & Pop-Up Gallery

Location: McMinnville Art Alley Studio (Alleyway connecting NE Davis & NE Evans, between NE 3rd & NE 4th)

When: First Two Weekends of October from Friday to Sunday