Community service
Trash to Treasure Center approaches re-use creatively
The old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is taken literally at the Trash to Treasure Creative Re-Use Center.
The store, based at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale, is an artist’s haven. Shelves are brimming with donated foam, fabric, notions, cardboard, wire and ribbon; just about everything for an art project.
All that’s needed is a little imagination, and that’s often sparked as folks explore the unique merchandise.
“People walk in and go, ‘This is so cool but I’m not creative.’ I remind them, actually you are,” said Casey Eckles, executive director. Creativity is a fundamental trait although one that is often not encouraged.
Some of Trash to Treasure’s biggest customers are teachers and children’s groups. Unlike buying a kit, non-structured projects develop problem solving skills and build self esteem, she said.
Prices encourage experimentation. Anything goes for $1 per pound, or monthly memberships can be purchased for $10.
ButTrash toTreasure’s mission goes beyond re-purposed art. Nine years ago Eckles, her husband and colleagues founded the nonprofit to use art to raise awareness about the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
“We knew creative reuse was a cutting edge kind of concept and felt Broward [was a good place],”
Eckles said. “The whole goal has been service to the community.”
The nonprofit survives on an all-volunteer basis and “magical” circumstances, she said.
One recent example is its All Hands on Deck, public participation art experience. It came together when a towing company donated a boat abandoned by Cuban refugees; another gave paint and adhesives.
Artists will work on the boat every Saturday at Arts Bunker, 2034 N. Dixie Highway inWiltonManors, throughMay14.
It’s part of this year’s focus on water and continues in the Eco Art FilmFestival: Water the Lifeblood of the Planet, May 26 to 28; which runs concurrently with the WaterWorks art show.
The family-friendly film fest aims to inspire people to think aboutwater and get involved.
Longtime volunteer Aimee Ballantyne summed up its importance in an email: “We only have one Earth; and the last I heard, this wasn’t a dress rehearsal.”
Trash to Treasure Creative Re-Use Center is at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. Visit Trash2reasurefl.org or call 888-828-8242, ext. 107.
HelenWolt can be reached at hwolt@tribpub.com.