Art and Culture non-profits have a history of being impactful building blocks for many minorities in the United States. There has been research to prove that they bring economic, social and political benefits. Allowing it to be a place to express difficult sentiments during regular times and times of crisis. Nonprofits in America are also some of the only places that allow minorities to feel empowered. In art, it might be the few times minorities get to dabble with art and figure out ways to express themselves.

Waste at a thrift-store does exist! I used to work at a small on, where every week a textile collection would come and pick up 18-24 large bags filled to the top. That was just textile and didn’t include the daily trips to the garbage bins for the home goods that had be thrown out. Everything can’t be sold, and unfortunately it is just easier for small space to throw out what they know won’t sell. Many times I wanted to save pieces because it could be an easy fix. The studio space would allow for things to be repaired before being thrown out. It will also allow for artists to come in and create something new from unwanted things.

There is a serious emotional toll that latino, immigrant and other minorities are facing due to the political climate. Minorities in Westchester might get overlooked. but they too deserve to have a safe space to gather and express difficult sentiments through a creative practice.

-Women and MENS clothing in good condition.

-small furniture and home decor

-accessories including: jewelry, bags, sunglasses, belts, scarves

-books, records. cds, tech

We may turn away donations that:

-have a strong mothball smell. Mothballs are a pesticide with a heavy odor that strongly saturate a small space.

-large dinnerwear like sets of china/plates

-shoes

https://guadalupeculturalarts.org Based in San Antonio

https://www.celebration-nation.org/about-us Based in California-not an art nonprofit but supports indigenous latino community. They do an event every year called cultura in the park

Vik Muniz-Brazilian artist who recreated photography portraits with unusual material like waste from landfills. He also is in the documentary Waste Land 2010 that highlights the impact waste has on communities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrlbdK28szs

I would love to say everyone and anyone; the goal is to one day have a space for all ages to work together! Unfortunately as a small space and a team that is just starting off, we don’t offer children classes just yet. We are offering services to adults, with exemptions to be made if a teenager comes with a parent or guardian’s permission to use machines. Every cultural background, immigration status is welcomed to come in and use there services, you won’t be turned away from a workshop or from the studio.