Pepsi Refresh Project

So I know I haven't mentioned this on here at all because I was trying to keep this idea on the down low, but I have an idea, and I submitted it to the Pepsi Refresh Project to possibly get a grant so that I can jump start this idea. I just got an email this morning that my idea was accepted (along with 728 others).

So what is my idea you ask? The Artist Re-Source, thats what.

A three part organization, The Artist Re-Source will consist of a store, studio and gallery dedicated to re-sourcing items, destined for landfills, into "recycled" art projects.

An organization that is multi-faceted in its rewards, The Artist Re-Source will not only help to inspire creative minds but will provide supplies & space to create, all while recycling.

The Store will collect & re-source art/craft materials, supplies & every day items that can be used to create art. The store is where individuals and organizations can then purchase these items at low cost. As well it is a place where unwanted, unused art supplies and materials can be donated.

The Studio is a creative area where different hands-on, how-to workshops will be held for art projects using "re-sourced" materals. It will also be a place where individuals, whom may not have a space at home, can come to create with re-sourced items they have purchased at the store.

The Gallery is a space where "recycled" art can be displayed and/or sold.

This idea came to me while I was looking for bottle caps for my fish and other projects. I came across a similar organization in the mid-west and thought that my community and many other communities could use something like this.

I am hoping to get a lot of response from the schools in my area, more and more of their budgets are being cut, and unfortunately the arts is one of the most common areas where budget cuts are being made. I hope that this project can give students and teachers alike an alternative. It is also to benefit anyone in the community to help nurture and grow creative minds. And to show that art is not just a painting or drawing.

Every day I come across something that is destined to the trash can and think, "I could use that for something". The Artist Re-Source would be a place where all these misfit items could be repourposed as art and given a new life. And not only misfit trash items, but good quality art supplies and crafting materials as well.

Just got a new glue gun, old one works just fine? Donate it to the Artist Re-Source. I know my craft room (if you can even call it that) is filled with miscelanious supplies that I may never get to use, but someone definately could!

How many sketch books and pads of drawing paper do I have that aren't completely filled? All that extra paper is currently sitting idle when someone could be getting much more from it than I.

And what about extra magazines, pens, pencils, t-shirts, wall paper sample books, fabric scraps, anything else under the sun that could be used and re-sourced into something that is not destined to the trash, but to someones wall as a piece of art.

So I beg of you, go and vote, every day, only the top 10 will recieve a grant. Currently I am ranked 83rd, I have a ways to go, but with your votes I can get there! http://www.refresheverything.com/artistresource