Chuck Dolence

Chuck brings decades of experience transforming reclaimed metal, wood, electronics, and industrial materials into imaginative sculpture and mechanical parodies. Inspired by the “treasure trove” of artistic possibilities found within discarded materials, he plans to create whimsical works reflecting the character of Yamhill County, including themes drawn from agriculture, vineyards, timber, machinery, and even the occasional UFO. His work celebrates the unexpected beauty and potential hidden in everyday objects that others may overlook.

Tiffany Hokanson

Tiffany is a mixed media artist whose work explores transformation, resilience, and renewal through reclaimed materials. Combining sculpture, printmaking, surface transfer, and industrial remnants, she creates thoughtful works that challenge our perceptions of waste and value. During the residency, she will continue developing a series of sculptural and print-based pieces using rusted metals, industrial debris, and discarded surfaces collected at the transfer station. Her work invites viewers to reconsider what is cast aside and recognize the potential for renewal and change.

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

2026 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 (Friday – Sunday)

Time: 10 AM – 5 PM

Don’t miss the opening exhibition on Saturday, October 3, 2027, from 5 – 7 PM in the Art Alley! Food and drinks will be provided free of charge.

The exhibition will be open to the public during the first two weekends of October, offering visitors the chance to meet the artists, experience their work up close, and support local creativity. All sales from the Piop-Up Gallery will contribute 20% towards AAYC’s mission of expanding arts access and advocacy in Yamhill County.