Metamorphosis 2017 - the full coverage

In merely over a year, we at the It's Your World Project have managed to achieve a handful of great accomplishments. However, we recently achieved our greatest feat yet - our first ever Metamorphosis: Trash to Treasure event. Taking place in the International Museum of Art, this recycled art exhibition was one in which artists all over El Paso (and its surrounding communities) came together to celebrate the beautiful collaboration between trash and art. This exhibition has been in the works since the conception of IYWP, and took months of vigorous planning from many of our members. This event not only serves as a milestone for us and our movement, but also serves as a stepping stone for greater things to come from IYWP.

Metamorphosis exhibition at the International Museum of Art

Taking place on Earth Day weekend of 2017 (April 23rd), the Metamorphosis reception featured artists, models, chefs, musicians, sponsors, and even former first daughter Chelsea Clinton. Clinton decided to attended Metamorphosis after visiting El Dorado High School a year earlier to congratulate IYWP Founder Candace Printz for winning a national community service contest. It was this contest and visitation from Clinton that officially kicked off IYWP.

Chelsea Clinton viewing a dress made out of recycled fabrics

Out of nearly 450 art submissions, only approximately 25% of all pieces were admitted into the exhibition. Artworks ranged from sculptures, to wall pieces, to clothing. Artists from all ages were allowed to participate with the inclusion of our four divisions (elementary school, middle school, high school, and adult), and an estimated total of 1,000+ attendees were present on the first day of Metamorphosis. With over 100 pieces of recycled artwork present at the event, IYWP was required to rent out two galleries to ensure enough space for all admitted artwork.

Artists and their artwork

After Chelsea Clinton met and conversed with each artist on an individual basis, she gave a speech, then proceeded to sign copies of her book - It's Your World. During this time, Candace Printz announced and awarded the winning artists, and gifted our non-profit supporters with checks containing values ranging from $1,000 to $1,350. These awards from IYWP were not only meant to show our gratitude towards these organizations for supporting our cause, but for also pursuing noble causes of their own and helping make the world a better place. Without the support we received from the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC), the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Humane Society, we would have not been able to pull of Metamorphosis with such effectiveness and efficiency.

Printz and Clinton giving speeches, and awards being distributed to the artists and IYWP supporters

The private reception was ended with group photos of all artists, supporters, and volunteers that made this event possible. As Clinton finished signing copies of her book, IYWP volunteers rushed to organize the photo shoots to ensure a speedy and efficient photography process.

Artists (left), supporters/sponsors (middle), and volunteers (right) that made Metamorphosis possible

After the private reception, Metamorphosis was opened to the pubic. With this event marking such a historical moment in the history of IYWP, we are proud to be able to call it an incredible success. It was a learning experience for all who participated, and will allow for a smoother and more efficient experience for future ventures we will pursue. We at IYWP plan on making Metamorphosis an annual event, as it celebrates recycled art, promotes environmental awareness, and serves as a way for us to thank all of our supporters for their service to IYWP. However, we still plan on doing greater things, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. We will surely face more difficult endeavors as we continue to grow and expand our operation, but we will face them head-on so that we may continue to positively impact our community in even greater ways. We have big plans for the coming years, and we hope you join us and support us on this journey towards a brighter future.