Stories From the Studio: Els Dirickx
STA recently caught up with highly respected local artist Els Dirickx based in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales and the creative force behind Arikai Reverse Art. Renowned for her innovative approach to sustainability, Els transforms discarded materials, waste products and document paper into striking handcrafted artworks that challenge perceptions of waste and inspire environmental awareness.
Through Arikai Reverse Art, Els has built a strong reputation for creating unique upcycled pieces that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and resourcefulness. Her work demonstrates how everyday discarded items can be reimagined into beautiful and meaningful artworks. This commitment to sustainability has earned her recognition across the region, including major success in local art competitions.
A passionate supporter of the local arts community, Els regularly exhibits and sells her work at community events and markets, including the popular Soldiers Memorial Hall Bundanoon Markets. Her engaging artworks and dedication to environmental education have made her a familiar and respected figure among art enthusiasts and sustainability advocates alike. Els’ talent has been recognised through several awards, including winning first prize in the 2025 Wollondilly Waste to Art competition with her artwork ‘Running Stream’, which was made from A4 waste document paper ripped by hand, soaked in a bucket of water then spread out and rolled on old flyscreen and dried. Once dried Els brushed PVA glue over it.
The Wollondilly Waste to Art Prize is an annual exhibition that promotes waste reduction and environmental sustainability by encouraging artists to create artworks from recycled and discarded materials. Delivered by Wollondilly Shire Council in partnership with Southern Tablelands Arts, the exhibition showcases creative treasures made from trash alongside workshops and community events. The 2026 Wollondilly Waste to Art Prize is now open, inviting artists of all ages and abilities to turn waste into art and help inspire positive environmental change.
Waste to Art Workshop Moss Vale
Mon 13 Jul 11am-1pm
MAKE ART NOT WASTE with Rose from the STA team and Creative Space Community Outreach at a free creative workshop at the Upcycle Centre in Moss Vale. FREE. All ages children to be accompanied. BOOK YOUR SPOTS NOW
Waste to Art Workshop Picton
Tues 14 July 10am - 3pm
THE FLAGSHIP WASTE WORKSHOP with Al and Rose at the Wollondilly Shire Hall 52 Menangle St, Picton,
FREE. All ages children to be accompanied.
No bookings – SEE YOU THERE
Loose Parts Play FREE activity
Fri 17 July 11-2pm
On the grass in front of the Wollondilly Shire Hall
A free and fun family activty to get active, get creative and play. No bookings children to be accompanied. FIND OUT MORE
Wollondilly Waste To Art Prize 2026
16 - 18 July
The STA Region’s premier Waste to Art exhibition, with $2700 in prizes over three categories.
The WW2A Prize is an annual Wollondilly Shire Council project delivered in partnership with STA.
Wollondilly Repair Cafe
Fri 17 July 11am - 1pm
Fix Your Broken Items – The Wollondilly Waste to Art Prize theme for 2026 is reuse and repair so STA are planning our first event Wollondilly Repair Café. Join our community of skilled volunteers and get your belongings repaired in a sustainable way.
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands where we create, live & work.
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