Columbia City Gallery and EILEEN FISHER Renew are excited to bring back the Chop Challenge, a beloved South End tradition that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and community impact.
Each year, artists are invited to transform reclaimed textile materials into original works of art and design. Using scrap fabrics provided by EILEEN FISHER Renew, participants reimagine what might otherwise be discarded, giving new life and purpose to these materials through innovation, craftsmanship, and play.
The resulting works will be showcased at Columbia City Gallery and EILEEN FISHER Renew, then offered through a Silent Auction benefiting Columbia City Gallery and SEEDArts. Proceeds help sustain community arts programming and ensure artists, neighbors, and visitors continue to have opportunities to connect through creativity in Southeast Seattle.
Important Dates
- Scrap Material Pick-up at EILEEN FISHER Renew: October 14–Dec 1, 2026
- Artwork Drop-off at Columbia City Gallery: December 3-5, 2026
- Showcase Dates: December 6-13, 2026
- Reception and Celebration: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 3–5 PM
Creativity Meets Sustainability
Artists are encouraged to think beyond traditional artwork and explore wearable, functional, and sculptural possibilities. Past participants have created everything from garments and jewelry to home goods, accessories, soft sculptures, and imaginative textile creatures.
Works should be made with at least 75% reused textiles, though mixed media elements are welcome. The challenge is not only to create something beautiful, but to demonstrate the extraordinary potential hidden within materials often considered waste.
Supporting Local Arts
Every piece contributed to the Chop Challenge directly supports Columbia City Gallery and SEEDArts‘ ongoing mission to nurture creativity and community in Southeast Seattle.
When the exhibition concludes, unsold works may either remain available through the Columbia City Gallery Gift Shop or be returned to the artist, depending on the artist’s preference. Whether purchased through the auction or displayed as an example of creative reuse, each piece contributes to a larger conversation about sustainability, resourcefulness, and the role of art in shaping a more thoughtful future.
Join the Challenge
Artists, makers, and creative problem-solvers of all experience levels are welcome to participate. Whether you’re drawn to fashion, sculpture, functional objects, or experimental textile work, the Chop Challenge is an opportunity to transform reclaimed materials into something unexpected.
Join us in turning textile waste into art, supporting local artists, and celebrating the power of creativity to reimagine what is possible.