Late last year a group of Ballard parents, artists and environmental advocates decided to collaborate on creating Seattle ReCreative, a nonprofit creative reuse center and alternative art space in Seattle.
In terms of what exactly a creative reuse center is, co-founders Emily Korson and Jenna Boitano describe it as “a facility that collects donated materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill from local businesses and individuals.” Proceeds from the resale of the goods is set to assist in funding Seattle ReCreative arts programs and also to provide free creative materials and professional development workshops to local public educators.
“Our hope is that this organization will function as much more than a model for environmental stewardship,” writes Korson and Boitano in a letter to the community. They see the space as an opportunity for social and intellectual enrichment where community members of all ages can come together to shop, create, experience and discuss art.
Seattle ReCreative will offer art classes and a creative playspace to the community for locals of all ages. These classes and workshops will be facilitated by artists, educators and environmental activists from both inside and outside our community. Local artists will also have opportunities to participate in exhibitions, host events and sell their work in their Artist Marketplace.
“This is a big undertaking, and although we do see the project as sustainable once we get up and running, it is going to require a significant amount of capital, labor, and community effort to achieve lift off,” writes Korson and Boitano.
The Seattle ReCreative team will be hosting a community meeting at The RE Store (1440 NW 52nd St) on Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m. to share their ideas. All are welcome to attend to learn more about the project and the volunteering and teaching opportunities that will be on offer.
Click here to learn more about the project.
