Washington County artists have until Sunday, Sept. 13 to apply for a paid gig salvaging discarded materials and turning them into gallery-ready work.

Metro's GLEAN program will select five artists from Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah counties to spend five months at the Metro Central Transfer Station in Portland, sorting through what people throw away and creating original pieces for a spring exhibition.

Each artist receives a $3,000 stipend. One of the five spots is reserved for a current student.

The big rule: at least 95% of each finished artwork must come from items found at the transfer station.

Metro Councilor Christine Lewis said in a news release reported by the Portland Tribune on Aug. 8 that artists describe the experience as eye-opening, getting up close with other people's trash and seeing the magnitude of what gets discarded. Lewis said participants use their talents to showcase how much of what we throw away can be reused through repair, donation or art.

If artwork sells at the spring exhibition, the artist keeps 80% of the commission.

How to apply

Applicants must live in Washington, Clackamas or Multnomah counties. They submit work samples, a bio, resume, proposal and answers to a questionnaire through the Creative West opportunities portal. Full details and the application link are at gleanportland.com.

The deadline is Sunday, Sept. 13. No late submissions.

A jury selects the five artists. One spot goes to a current student; another is chosen based on the artist's level of craft and portfolio.

GLEAN launched in fall 2010 as a collaboration between Recology, Metro and Crackedpots (now known as ReClaim It), an environmental arts organization. The program has run annually since, helping launch the careers of participating artists over nearly 16 years.

Upcoming Beaverton arts events

  • BACC Concerts in the Round: Sunday, Aug. 9, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at The Round. Free, city-supported.
  • Beaverton Arts Commission meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 6–7:30 p.m. at Beaverton City Hall, 5th floor, 12725 SW Millikan Way. Hybrid format.
  • Third annual Beaverton Music Festival: Saturday, Aug. 15, noon–9 p.m. at The Round. More info at beavertonmusicfestival.com.