Port Alberni and the surrounding Vancouver Island region are home to numerous talented upcycling artists who transform discarded materials into unique artworks. These artists and organizations exemplify the vibrant upcycling community in the Port Alberni area, turning discarded items into functional and decorative art.

Here are some notable local upcyclers:

Kastawayz Art: Husband and wife team Kerry and Amanda Illerbrun specialize in creating art from 100% recycled metals, including cutlery, oil drums, and reclaimed roofing materials. Their work often features oceanic themes, reflecting their West Coast roots. Home - Kastawayz Art 

Diane Rae Artistry: Diane Rae's "Funktional Art" includes paintings, metal designs, and upcycled creations. She also crafts lapidary jewelry under "Rock It Jewelry," incorporating recycled materials into her pieces. Diane Rae Art Works (DRAW) | Facebook 

John Died Designs: Vicky Murphy's "John Died Designs" offers original art silk-screened onto vintage fabrics, resulting in upcycled clothing and accessories. Her studio is located in Port Alberni. John died | Port Alberni BC | Facebook 

Mariana's Art Studio: Mariana Gassmann focuses on upcycling through mosaic art and creative workshops. She transforms objects using various techniques and offers tailored workshops for individuals and organizations. About | Mariana's Art Studio by Mariana Gassmann 

Wilma Millette (Creartful Dodger): Wilma Millette creates curious collage and assemblage artworks using original antique papers, maps, and found objects, upcycling the past into new art forms. Wilma Millette | creartfuldodger 

Trail to the Beach Pottery: Jennifer of Trail to the Beach reflects the Pacific West Coast in her hand-built pottery and upcycled art, using slab-building techniques to create functional pieces inspired by coastal scenery. Trail to the Beach Pottery 

Coast & Cottage: This quaint retail shop offers an eclectic collection of new, vintage, handcrafted, and upcycled furniture and home decor pieces, consigning work from local artisans and hosting DIY workshops. Coast & Cottage | Parksville BC | Facebook 

ReVision - The Art of Recycling Society: Led by a group of artists, this society produces a wide spectrum of art from upcycled materials and found objects, ranging from Pop to Steampunk styles. ReVision - The Art of ReCycling 

And who would we be if we didn't honour some of our global talent:

Stephanie Hongo (Sugarfox): Based in Southington, Connecticut, Stephanie transforms everyday trash into intricate animal sculptures. Using discarded items like toothbrushes and plastic toys, she creates pieces that spark curiosity and conversation. Bio — Sugarfox 

HA Schult: A German conceptual artist renowned for his work with garbage, Schult's "Trash People" series features life-sized figures made from discarded materials. His art emphasizes environmental consciousness and has been displayed globally, including at the Pyramids of Giza. HA Schult, Art is Life 

Jane Perkins: This British artist uses found objects like buttons, toys, and shells to recreate famous artworks and portraits. Her vibrant mosaics offer a fresh and whimsical perspective on familiar images, celebrating color and texture through everyday items. Jane Perkins | Artist in Found Materials 

Thomas Dambo: Hailing from Denmark, Dambo is known for creating large-scale sculptures of mythical creatures using recycled wood. His installations, often placed in forests or urban areas, encourage viewers to explore and appreciate both art and nature. Thomas Dambo - Home 

Angela Haseltine Pozzi: An American artist inspired by marine debris, Angela creates sculptures highlighting ocean pollution. Her work transforms washed-up plastics into art, raising awareness about environmental issues. Tinkering Tinkerer: Angela Haseltine Pozzi | Exploratorium 

Matt Lorenz: A musician and artist, Lorenz constructs his instruments from upcycled materials. His one-man-band setup includes a guitar found in a dumpster and a bass drum made from an old suitcase, showcasing the musical potential of discarded items. Home — The Suitcase Junket 

Erika Iris Simmons: Known for her "Ghost in the Machine" series, Erika repurposes old cassette tapes, film reels, and other media to create portraits of musicians and cultural icons, blending nostalgia with innovative artistry. Home | iri5 

Cid Dwyer: Transforms plastic waste into stylish homeware and jewelry through The TOTI, an initiative that turns discarded bottle caps into colorful, functional art. His work merges sustainability with creativity, inspiring others to rethink waste. Cid Dwyer: Leading the Charge for Environmental Change – The TOTI