Arts & Scraps

Arts & Scraps uses recycled industrial materials to help people of all ages and abilities think, create and learn. We recycle 28 tons of material annually, serving 275,000 children.

Description:
We gather 28 tons of safe, interesting industrial scraps from 90 businesses each year. They are used by 275,000 children in the Detroit metro area in educational and recreational programming. Our store is open to the public to stuff bags and offer free program planning. Educational programming is available in curriculum or recreational themes for groups of children, adults and intergenerational groups at our site or at the group's site. We attend public events around the metro area bringing creative activities for families. Our 26' ScrapMobile is available to bring materials and excitement to any of our programs in the community, also available for commercial sponsorship at public events. We also produce kits that serve 25 or 1 in areas of curriculum and recreation and publications to assist those working with children. Promotional kits are custom-designed for an organization or business and can be a giveaway or resold. We offer art therapy to groups or individuals and have a group program called "Fun and Fitness" that encourages a healthy lifestyle and creativity. We collaborate with many non-profits and schools and create specialized services to meet their needs.

History:
Arts & Scraps started in 1989, with our resource center (the "store")as the first program. Progressively other programs were added. We now have 12 programs and have provided 2 million educational and creative experiences. We are entrepreneurial in nature, charging for all our services but structuring fees to accommodate groups and schools attended by underserved children. We are 70% self sufficient to our operating expenses, with our programming providing the base of our operation instead of grant awards.

Contact people:

Wonner Lawson, Volunteer Coordinator, (313) 640-4411 x 5, (email) Peg Upmeyer, Director, (313) 640-4411, (email) Patrick Maher, Warehouse Coordinator, (313) 640-9050, (email)

Office fax number: (313) 640-4422

Address:

16135 Harper Detroit, MI 48224 (See a map)

Web Site: http://ARTSandSCRAPS.org

Directions:

Take the I-94 Cadieux Exit (#223) and turn south towards the lake. Immediately turn right at Harper, the first intersection. Go 3/4 miles. Arts & Scraps is on the right, at the corner of Bedford and Harper.. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Harper   Nearest Bus Stop: 1/2 block, 0 minute walk

Last updated on January 5, 2009