09/20/2011 - Behind the Scenes...Reusable Usables

Behind The Scenes  with Jennifer Davis

“Engage a mind, Save a landfill”

Never has a business motto had so much impact on a community and the environment. At Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center they are doing their part and much more to provide a creative environment in the Quad Cities and to save quality materials from the landfill.

The LeClaire, Iowa creative art center is the perfect destination for field trips, art workshops, parties and rainy day getaways.  Their drop in art events are held on Fridays and most Saturdays and Sundays. During drop in art you can either bring in your own art project or use the materials available and studio to create a masterpiece. Materials available vary on a weekly basis, but have included wallpaper books, carpet squares, cardboard cutouts, bubble wrap, mesh bags, milk rings, tile pieces, pop tabs, wine corks, fabric books and much more!

 Beginning on September 28 Reusable Usables will kick off their Green Girls Club.  Participants will meet each Wednesday from 3:45-5:15 p.m. with sessions taught by area artists. Projects will include making clothing, jewelry and accessories as well as book making and other exciting art projects.  

Other exciting events coming this fall include a Costume Swap designed to help area residents save money and protect costumes from landfills. You can drop off your gently used costumes now thru October 6^th. Then on Saturday, October 8^th return to Reusable Usables from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to pick out a “new” costume. After 1 p.m. the shop will open to the public for costume shopping, with leftovers donated to a local charity. Eco friendly activities are also planned for the day and children ages 1-13 can enter their trick or treat bag design contest.

While Reusable Usables might be an artist’s best friend, teachers are also encouraged to visit. To celebrate the back to school season, teachers who purchase a 10 pound pass will receive 3 pounds of art materials free thru the end of September.

Also don’t forget to show your Quad Cities Night Out VIP card to receive a drop in pass for $10. The pass is valued at $20 and is good for four drop in art times.

Reusable Usables is located at 322 North Cody Road, LeClaire, Iowa and is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.  For more information visit their website at www.reusableusables.org or contact them at 563-289-3946.