🎨 IRF Circular Art Auction 2026 is now live in preview mode. Register to bid on Givebutter
Illinois Recycling Foundation Logo Building a Circular Economy in Illinois
Preview now. Bidding runs online and concludes at the Annual Conference in August.

IRF Circular Art Auction 2026

A global, mission-aligned auction where art meets circular economy action. 100% of winning bids support the Illinois Recycling Foundation.

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Artist eligibility: 25%+ recycled/reclaimed/found content (minimum). Artists worldwide are welcome to donate.

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Colorful. Circular. Purpose-driven.
Tap any image to view full-screen.
100% Proceeds to IRF

Winning bids support education, networking, and circular economy leadership statewide.

25% Minimum Recycled Content

Artist requirement: at least 25% recycled/reclaimed/found materials per piece.

🌎 Worldwide Artists

Artists from anywhere can donate. Buyers can bid online via Givebutter.

Live Finale in August

Online bidding culminates at the IRF Annual Conference with a final countdown moment.

Preview Wall

A visual teaser of works featured in the 2026 Circular Art Auction. Click any image to enlarge.

How It Works

We are running the auction on Givebutter Auctions so you do not need special software. Givebutter handles bidding, notifications, and checkout.

1

Register to Bid

Join the auction on Givebutter. Create your bidder profile and opt into bid alerts.

2

Bid Online

Browse lots, place bids, and receive outbid notifications through Givebutter.

3

Win + Checkout

Winners complete payment through Givebutter’s secure checkout and receive receipts.

4

Pickup or Ship

Pickup options will be available at the Annual Conference. Some items may ship by arrangement.

Key Dates

Use the preview period to explore artists and share the auction. Bidding opens online and culminates during the Annual Conference. You can adjust these dates in the page’s configuration section.

Now

Preview Gallery + Artist Intake

We are building the catalog. Artists worldwide are welcome to donate eligible works.

July 2026

Bidding Opens (Online)

Bid online through Givebutter and receive bid alerts and updates automatically.

August 2026

Finale + Close During Annual Conference

We close with a countdown moment during the conference and announce results.

Donate Artwork Browse on Givebutter

Donate Artwork

Artists worldwide can donate. Each piece must include at least 25% recycled / reclaimed / found content. We also ask for a short Materials Manifest so buyers understand the circular story behind each work.

A

Eligibility

Minimum 25% recycled/reclaimed/found material content. All styles welcome (sculpture, mixed media, functional art, photography, fiber).

B

Submission Assets

3–5 high-res images, title, dimensions, weight, artist bio, and a short Materials Manifest (what was reused and why).

C

Fulfillment

Pickup at conference (recommended) or shipping by arrangement. Please indicate fragility and shipping constraints.

D

100% to IRF

Winning bids go to IRF. Artists are recognized in the catalog and during the conference finale.

Submit Artwork Register to Bid

Note: auction winners receive goods/services (artwork). IRF will provide appropriate receipts via Givebutter checkout.

Bid for Circular Impact

The Illinois Recycling Foundation’s Circular Art Auction celebrates creativity, reuse, and community. Join on Givebutter to receive bid alerts and participate in the finale at the Annual Conference.

FAQ

Answers to common questions for bidders, artists, and sponsors.

Do we need custom auction software or bid alert technology?

No. We are running the auction on Givebutter Auctions, which includes bidder registration, real-time bidding, outbid notifications, and checkout. This page functions as the marketing and preview landing page.

What is the minimum recycled content requirement?

Each donated piece must include at least 25% recycled, reclaimed, or found material content. Artists provide a Materials Manifest to describe the materials used.

Can artists outside Illinois donate?

Yes. Artists worldwide can donate. Please indicate whether the item is shippable or best handled via conference pickup.

When does bidding open and close?

Bidding opens online in July 2026 and concludes with a finale during the Annual Conference in August 2026. Exact times are set in the configuration and can be updated without redesigning the page.

How does fulfillment work (shipping / pickup)?

Pickup at the Annual Conference is recommended for large or fragile items. Some pieces may ship by arrangement. Artists will specify shipping constraints and handling requirements in their submission.