Recology believes that art plays a powerful role in education, inspiring the public to think critically about waste and sustainability. By supporting artists who create work from discarded materials, the Recology Artist in Residence Programs encourage a deeper understanding of resource conservation and responsible consumption. Through their work, participating artists help educate communities, fostering a shift in perspective on what we throw away and how we can reimagine its value.

Founded in 1990, the Recology San Francisco Artist in Residence (AIR) Program was the first of its kind. As part of the Sustainability Education Program, the four-month AIR Program provides a rich and immersive environment for artists to develop their practice while deeply engaging with sustainability and community outreach. Now AIR Programs operate in four cities: San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Astoria. GLEAN in Portland is a collaboration between Recology, ReClaimit (previously crackedpots), an environmental arts organization, and Metro, the regional government that manages the Portland metropolitan area’s garbage and recycling system. In Astoria, the Coastal Oregon Artist Residency (COAR), is a collaboration between Recology and Astoria Visual Arts.

Over 300 professional and student artists have participated in these programs.

• Recology San Francisco artists
• GLEAN artists
• Recology King County artists

Supporting Local Artists

AIR Programs are designed to support local artists and art communities. Artists are provided with access to materials at Recology facilities, a stipend, and, in some cases, a dedicated studio space. All residencies conclude with an exhibition. After their residencies, artists contribute select pieces to Recology’s permanent collection, which are featured in exhibitions that highlight the transformative power of reuse.

• Images Recology San Francisco
• Images GLEAN
• Images Recology King County Seattle

Artist Selection

Each AIR Program accepts applications annually from professional artists, and in some cases, college and university students, actively engaged in the local community. Artists are selected by advisory boards, and applications are evaluated based on several criteria:

• Demonstrated commitment to resource conservation and recycling through art
• Established dedication to an art practice
• Experience in art education and/or environmental education
• Potential for professional growth
• Quality and relevance of a proposal, artist statement, and work samples
• References