Functional art pieces will be featured in select Downtown Vancouver businesses from Aug. 31-Sept. 11

VANCOUVER – Thousands of community members utilize the services of Columbia Springs’ Repair Clark County program each year. But what happens to the things that can’t be fixed? 

“It’s such a shame to me when something can’t be repaired.” says Program Coordinator Terra Heilman. Part availability and item condition (among other reasons) sometimes leave some items unrepairable. “I began to ask myself, ‘What if we could turn some of these other broken items into lighting?’” and the ReLit upcycled lighting festival concept was born. 

As it turns out, just about anything can be turned into a lamp. Unrepairable items with vintage features, cool lines, and chrome detailing are especially fun to upcycle. And the volunteer fixers in the Repair Clark County program have been busy doing just that – creatively giving items new life in preparation for the second annual ReLit, hosted by Columbia Springs.

This year’s event will include more lamps, more night themed programming, and an extra week of lamp viewing. Functional art pieces will be featured in select Downtown Vancouver businesses from Aug. 31-Sept. 11. They will then return to Columbia Springs and be visible from Sept. 13-28. Lamps will be available to bid on in a silent auction for the duration of the festival, allowing winning community members to bring home a one-of-a-kind, locally handmade lamp while supporting the nonprofit Columbia Springs. 

ReLit 2022 will culminate on Sept. 28 with Compositions and Kilowatts – a creatively lit concert in the woods featuring an evening of music from Ben Cosgrove backlit by upcycled lamps. A meet and greet afterparty (featuring complimentary drinks and light hors d’oeuvres from Pomeroy Cellars, Heathen Brewing, and Boards+Bubbles) will follow – tickets are on sale now for the concert and afterparty. 

How can you join the fun? Visit www.columbiasprings.org/relit! At this website you can purchase concert tickets and sign up to receive the ReLit lamp gallery walking tour map (and other updates). The walking tour is free, and makes a wonderful date night activity or family outing!

Those looking to get involved as sponsors or learn about lamp creation can email kylie@columbiasprings.org.