Artist in Residence and Education at the Transfer Station

Dennis Weatheman

WE are excited to have Dennis as our 2026 A.i.r.e. artist and can't wait to get started in early June !!!!!!

About Dennis

Dennis is a multidisciplinary artist and self-described jack of all trades, whose work transforms the overlooked, discarded, and forgotten into imaginative, thought-provoking creations. Working across wearable and reclaimed art, music, and hands-on building, his practice is rooted as much in making as it is in fostering connection—most especially through building community.

Soon to be serving as the Artist in Residence at the Jefferson County Transfer Station, Dennis engages directly with the everyday detritus of contemporary life, uncovering stories within what others throw away. His work challenges audiences to reconsider patterns of consumption while offering meaningful, imaginative, and practical approaches to sustainability.

Whether repurposing salvaged materials into functional art, creating music from unexpected sources, or collaborating with others in shared creative spaces, Dennis brings curiosity, resourcefulness, and a sense of play to everything he does. His work is a reminder that value is not inherent in objects, but created through intention, care, and collective imagination.

Artist in residence program

In a 3 month period, the artist in resident has dumping floor privileges to retrieve materials and make artwork. The artist will spend some of the time working on ways to educate the public on the issues of waste and our local recycling practices in Jefferson County. The artist can exhibit following the residency. Applications will be available Jan 21, 2026 through March 23, 2026 for the June-August residency.

Educational program

Artist in residence program

The Department of Ecology with Jefferson Co Solid Waste Management and SWAC are working together to focus on getting the word out about contamination on our recyclables. We all get excited about recycling but it can be so confusing! So many kinds of plastics, etc.- and it changes from county to county or town to town. We aim to help people understand what is recyclable, how it is recycled, where it goes and what is made from it.

Safety First

Artist in residence program

How to be involved

Safety is our top priority!

Our committee holds safety of the artists, staff, and public as the highest priority. We realize a safe environment is a critical part of the health and success of the program. There is a first aide kit in the artist office/studio and an eye wash station in the Transfer Station employee break room. We have invited the Jefferson County Transfer Station to set the ground rules for our policy.

How to be involved

It didn't take long to realize that we weren't the only ones that had a passion for trashion. You may want to become involved in our program by applying to be an artist in residence or a member of our planning committee.

Also, you may help support the program by helping fund the artist stipend. You can donate funds through Local 20/20 website and please state it is for the A.I.R.E. program.

our budget

How to be involved

our budget

We do not have a large overhead- our annual expenses are the artist stipend of 2k, extra materials- about 300.00, team and artist orientation dinner, and exhibit reception snacks and beverages. The last two years, funds were provided by a business sponsorship from Acoustic Disc independent record label.

Now we have joined up with Local 20/20's Beyond Waste Action Group and can accept donations for each year's budget. Please go to the Local 20/20 website and specify funds are to be directed towards the A.I.R.E. program.

A.I.R.E. joined up with Local 20/20's Beyond waste

A comfy home

We are excited to share the news that we have a home with Local 20/20's Beyond Waste action group. Our values align.

Local 20/20's mission statement:

Working together to foster a regenerative, sustainable, resilient and compassionate community in Jefferson County through both action and education.

Learn more about the group here– https://l2020.org/beyond-waste/

Our Community

Because we are part of a 501c3, we will be able to receive more community support which always seems to be the way towards a successful and sustainable program!

a.i.r.e.'s 3rd annual reveal!!!

Monday Oct 27th 5-6 pm at the Jefferson County Transfer Station, Port Townsend.

More details coming soon!

One of the things we ask of the resident artists is that they leave one piece (can be tiny) for the program. This will be the 3rd year that the artist has made a large piece to leave on site! We will be proud to install DJ's piece in our sculpture garden and invite you all to come and see, have a cider toast to another successful year.

Image to the right: Transfer Station manager, Justin Miskell delivering up some good news at Margie McDonald's reveal