Scrap as art. (Back Page).

Buoyed by last year's successful creations, American Iron, Minneapolis, has invited artists to look though its scrap yard for the makings of award-winning sculptures.

For the second year in a row, American Iron is sponsoring a metal sculpture competition, with winning entries having the chance to be displayed this summer in downtown Minneapolis.

The scrap metal company is opening up its yard to artists for two Saturdays in May so they can retrieve items and pieces to be turned into art. The metalworking sculptors will then have until July 12 to bring their vision alive.

Judging will take place on July 17, and just six days later, the winning sculptures will be displayed in an open-air gallery on the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

Awards will be given in three categories: freestanding/large floor sculptures; freestanding tabletop sculptures; and supported (mobiles, collages or wall-hangings) artwork. Winners can receive prizes ranging from $100 to $300, and of course the chance to sell their creations later. (Although American Iron reserves the right to purchase the creations for display on its own property.)

"We had a phenomenal response last year from artists who helped American Iron show the benefits of metal recycling," says Mindy Odegard, director of community relations for the company. "We expect the competition to grow this year," she adds.

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