New Reuse Resource Opens For Creatives in Eau Claire
locals introduce area's first 'art thrift store' space
Kelly Carlson, photos by Evelyn Nelson |
Being an artist can also mean spending quite a bit of money on supplies – and, potentially, result in leftover product and waste.
Many accessible materials found at big-box craft stores aren’t made with sustainable materials, and scraps are likely to end up in landfills. Bridging the gap from one artist’s waste to another's dream, enter locals Chanel Harwick and Ashton Erickson of MELK Reuse.
MELK Reuse, a new donation center, accepts unused and scrap materials for resale to promote a circular stream of consumption. These types of spaces are commonly referred to as art thrift stores, Arts Midwest writes.
“MELK's mission is to keep as many usable arts and crafts material out of the landfill as possible,” the duo said. Inspired by their own creative reuse practices, they aim to support all creative people in the Chippewa Valley area, regardless of age or skill level.
MELK Reuse, currently located inside The Beyond (218 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire), will collect and offer a variety of gently used or repurposed arts and crafts supplies at low prices. “Our stock is dependent on donations and is always evolving,” Harwick and Erickson said.
“We will accept almost anything that can be used for art or crafting," the duo continued. "From stretched canvases, leftover fabric, and markers to glass jars, bottle caps, and egg cartons, we want it all!”
MELK Reuse kindly ask folks not to donate sharp objects with jagged edges – like broken glass or blades – batteries, baby items, medical waste or potentially hazardous chemicals like paint thinners and resin, or clothing. (For additional information on where to donate those types of items, ask your local waste hauler or specialist!)
In the future, MELK Reuse hopes to find an individual space that allows them to display more materials, offer workshop classes, and private studio rentals. MELK Reuse will champion more affordable and accessible entry points to practice your artistic craft in the Chippewa Valley, so head over to to Dewey Street and see what you find!
Visit their current space inside The Beyond (218 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire), open on Monday, Thursday-Saturday from 11am-7pm, and Sunday 1-5pm • If you have any questions about stock or what can be donated, reach out to melkreuse@gmail.com or DM on Instagram (@melkreuse).
