Stuff Redux, a locally based creative reuse center, provides those in the Richmond area with a place to donate and buy materials for reuse. It also acts as an educational center, offering volunteer opportunities for those in the community.
Stuff Redux, a locally based creative reuse center, provides those in the Richmond area with a place to donate and buy materials for reuse. It also acts as an educational center, offering volunteer opportunities for those in the community. The term ‘creative reuse’ (colloquially known as up-cycling), refers to the process of converting used and recycled materials into artwork, household goods, or any item with aesthetic or practical application. The potential for creative reuse is limited only by the designer’s imagination.
Historically, creative reuse can be traced back as far as the Egyptians (who would salvage building materials from previous dynasties to aid in the construction of their own buildings) and examples of this practice can be found in almost every major subsequent civilization. According to a TEDx lecture by Garth Johnson, a studio artist, art curator, assistant professor in art history at the College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California and the author of 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, “every culture, from the begging of time has practiced creative reuse…everything that you reuse comes with its own story.”
As an outgrowth of the creative reuse movement, organizations known as creative reuse centers, developed solely with the intent of supporting this environmentally friendly and artistically inspired alternative to classic recycling, have begun to appear around the country in recent years. They are gaining popularity, and according to research conducted by ReuseAlliance.org, there are currently over forty creative reuse centers in the United States alone.
The idea for Stuff Redux was formulated several years ago by a group of local artists and environmental activists, but, didn’t really take off until recently. Erika Ogier, currently the Interim Program Director for Stuff Redux, described the organization as “a thrift store for art supplies.” The current incarnation of the concept was spearheaded by Rachael Cohen, the Project Director for Stuff Redux. According to the Stuff Redux website, “Rachael loves to unlock the hidden potential of objects that others leave behind. She finds inspiration in the transformation of materials and enjoys encouraging others to create value and meaning in unexpected places.”
Earlier this month at the Byrd Theater, Stuff Redux held a fall fundraiser in the form of a live craft battle, which featured six teams comprised of high school and college level students and educators competing in timed rounds to create the most unique theme-based craft item possible. Stuff Redux also holds monthly craft workshops and educational classes for children as well as adults. Ogier also stated that the project is hoping to start a monthly craft night for the community at the beginning of next year. When questioned about the future of the organization, she said, “We’re hoping to continue on with our programming and do more and better workshops.”
Ogier encouraged anyone interested in volunteering or donating to visit the store at 1605 Rhoadmiller Street or contact Stuff Redux via their email, stuffreduxrva@gmail.com.
