Parkes-based artist Christine Somers won the 2026 Waste 2 Art contest, taking both the Open Two-Dimensional Category and the Overall Winner prize for her hand-sewn artwork "Marie's Revolution - Take Part in the Revolution: Adopt Eco-Responsible Habits," made entirely from fabric waste. The local exhibition in Parkes, Australia, attracted 65 entries challenging artists to 'Shrink their Waste Footprint,' with all artworks required to fit into a shoe or boot box. Somers' piece will advance to the Regional Showcase at the Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum in Broken Hill, opening August 15, 2026.
The Waste 2 Art program matters because it combines creative expression with environmental sustainability, encouraging communities to rethink waste through art. By transforming discarded materials into powerful visual statements, the contest highlights the role of individuals and local communities in reducing waste, fostering innovation within constraints, and promoting eco-responsible habits. The program's growth and regional reach demonstrate how grassroots art initiatives can drive broader cultural and environmental awareness.