The holidays are here, and Pittsburgh has many local businesses to support. Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, a DIY art store, is one of these businesses.
“The Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse is a non-profit that inspires creativity, conservation, and community engagement through reuse,” says Ash Andrews, Executive Director of Creative Reuse.
Andrews shares that the art shop, located at the intersection of Wilkinsburg, Homewood, and Point Breeze, is non-traditional, as they specialize in used art supplies and crafts that are donated to them by the community.
“We also facilitate hands-on creative programming that educates the public about the benefits of reuse for the environment, community, and self,” they say.
The non-profit’s mission focuses heavily on sustainability, as well as affordability for customers. Creative Reuse aims to service the community with low-cost supplies and other tools needed to have a creative outlet, regardless of skill level or income.
“Being creative, resourceful, imaginative, and innovative can be a transformative experience for your confidence and mental health as well as your finances,” says Andrews. “Imagine that rush you feel when you fix something that’s broken, or when you beautify something that didn’t bring you joy, instead of going out and buying it brand new from a big box store. That’s power right there, and you’ve got access to it at Creative Reuse.”
Andrews shared they began working for the non-profit because they wanted to do something to help better other people’s lives. With the current climate of the world, things can look pretty grim. However, working for a place that supports sustainability and community allows them to fully immerse themselves into doing something good.
“Creative Reuse is one small piece of the puzzle that opens up the possibilities for another way to live, work, and buy while supporting your community and existing in a way that is less harmful to others and our planet,” they say.
Creative Reuse is the perfect place to look when wanting to shop sustainably, especially if you’re a fan of buying local. From traditional art supplies to trinkets and other pieces to work with, the shop has something for every artist.
Because the shop’s inventory is based on donations, shoppers can find different pieces to work with every time they go.
The shop has had materials such as dolls, vintage items, picture frames, and more. If you’re looking for holiday supplies, they also have you covered — wrapping paper, bows, decorative boxes, and gift bags are just some of the options shoppers have.
For gifts, shoppers can find jewelry, artwork, knick-knacks, and so much more.
“We also have a sweet online store, where you can browse hundreds of unique items 24/7, and get shipping, local delivery, or curbside pickup,” Andrews shares.
They also highlight Creative Reuse’s Bulk Section as a unique part of the shop. They say this section is helpful for those who “need a lot of stuff at once for just a few bucks.”
“Shoppers can fill up a small, medium, large, or extra large bag with all kinds of interesting materials for just $4, $6, $9, or $20,” they say. “Popular with teachers, families, and other creative people, our Bulk Section is one of the most cost-effective ways to get large quantities of materials for your creative projects.”
Andrews themself has shopped here for both gifts and decor for the past 12 years, calling this a huge cost-saver and planet-saver.
The Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse also hosts different events.
“We love to throw a good party!” Andrews shares.
From receptions in their art gallery to hands-on workshops, the non-profit connects to the community on the regular.
“Our latest [reception] was on November 19 and featured the work of local artist, Isabella Schubert-Jones,” says Andrews. “Her large-scale sculptures of animals with humanoid elements – all made from reused materials – are on view in our gallery every day of the week until December 10.”
(QBurgh was a proud sponsor of the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse’s October event, Craftical.)
Their next opening reception is on December 15 for their artist in residence Dara Etienne.
“[We will feature] their incredibly detailed and magical mixed media work on view until February!” Andrews says, inviting the community to come to the reception on the 15th.
Along with sustainability and affordability, the non-profit wants the community to know that no matter who you are, you are accepted here.
“We’re a place for you,” Andrews says. “We love you and we support you.”
Whether you’re an experienced artist who wants to shop sustainably, or someone new to art who wants to be amongst those passionate about art, the non-profit has a place for you.
“You belong at Creative Reuse!” Andrews shares.