The Annual Recycled Art Sale and Benefit

Tickets go on sale on September 7, 2022. Sponsorships are available now! 

Click here for tickets and more information. 

Calling All Collectors! 

One of the most popular community events on the North Shore, the annual Recycled Art Sale and Benefit returns to Highland Park October 13-22nd.  

Now in its 23rd year, the event hosted by The Art Center Highland Park offers a collection of artwork ranging from posters, jewelry, artifacts, and curios, to deeply discounted works by artists such as Salvador Dali, LeRoy Nieman, and Chicago-based outsider artist Lee Godie. 

“This is part Parisian art market, part treasure hunt,” says Jackie Chilow, Director of Events for The Art Center. “For weeks in advance we have a team of volunteers researching all the pieces that are obviously high value, but there are always works that go unrecognized—actual art treasures. And there is such a variety of work that a customer can, in an hour or two, purchase a wide and varied collection of pieces that makes it seem like they have been painstakingly building their collection for years.” 

Barbara Abelson and David Wigodner, both board members, are the committee co-chairpersons for this event. “It’s my second year working on this event,” said Wigodner, “sifting through the artwork is interesting and the detective work researching a piece can be  electrifying when you discover a real gem.” 

Abelson adds, “This is my third time overall working on this as co-chair. People may not realize that although it is a ten-day public event it takes year-round effort to make sure we have a great selection. But all the gathering, the sorting, the research and the organizing pays off when we see the enthusiasm of our patrons, intent upon finding the perfect piece.” 

The artwork sold each year has been donated by members of the community who are downsizing, trading out familiar pieces for new ones, closing out a parent’s estate, or local galleries donating because they support TAC. This year a good number of pieces came from a major corporate office redesign. Artwork is even donated during the actual dates of the event, so smart buyers return multiple times during the 10-day sale. 

The Recycled Art Sale will begin with a ticketed VIP event on Thursday, October 13, at 5 o’clock. Early access ticket holders ($175 advance/$185 at the door) will have 1 hour to view the collection and get first pick. A second wave of ticket holders ($75/85) will be admitted at 6 o’clock. The evening is always exciting, with frenzied sales and satisfied buyers. The Thursday event will includes cocktails and bites that lend a party-like atmosphere to an already exciting night. 

There will be a $5 entry fee during the event’s opening weekend, October 14th-16th. Entry for the rest of the sale is free of charge. This year we’re planning some special events and discounts throughout the sale, encouraging buyers to come back multiple times. 

All sales and proceeds go toward the year-round programming offered at The Art Center Highland Park for over 62 years, including scholarships, underwriting for gallery exhibits, art supplies, community-building events, and administrative costs. “This event is a win-win-win for our programs and education, our community, and the art buyers who look forward to this event all year,” adds Yumi Ross, board president of TAC. “Recycled is a staff, board, and community favorite, a wonderful, fun, annual scavenger hunt for art that speaks to you. Collectibles can be found as well.” 

The Recycled Art Sale and Benefit runs from Thursday, 10/13, through Saturday, 10/22. 

Hours are 10-4, Friday 10/14 through Saturday, 10/24 with one late night, Thursday, October 20, when sales are open until 9 PM. Ample downtown parking. 

Thursday night VIP event begins at 5 PM. 

Image credit: Clara Tomaz for The Art Center Highland Park.