In honor of America Recycles Month, the Athens Area Council for the Arts will open its new exhibit, "The Art of Recycling," on Monday and present awards on Tuesday.

The awards reception will begin at 6 p.m. to allow for viewing of the entries and voting on the People's Choice Award. Light refreshments will be served. The awards ceremony will begin at 7 p.m.

The biennial exhibit awards more than $1,200 in prize money in three divisions (high school, college and open) for residents of McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk and Bradley counties. Winners of Best of Show, People's Choice and honorable mentions also will be recognized. Juror for the competition is Chattanooga artist Terry West.

The goal of this juried art show is to heighten awareness of conservation issues through artistic expression, said Pat Armstrong, program director at The Arts Center.

"There are many potential uses for society's discards, and the creation of art objects from recycled materials will highlight this very serious concern," she said. "Viewers are sure to be challenged, amused and awed by the variety of media and the creativity involved in making these works of art."

"The Art of Recycling" will be on view through Jan. 4 at The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., in Athens, Tenn. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.athensartscouncil.org or call 423-745-8781.