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“More Art, Less Trash” – Phillipsburg Pop-Up Shop is Giving Art Supplies a Second Life
By Alley Shubert with Dan Bauer Contributing,
3 days ago
Sam Matthews: Championing Sustainability Through Art in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Matthews was featured recently in West Windsor and brings her Pay as you can and More Art, Less Trash ideas to life. Credits: Sam Matthews
STEWARTSVILLE, NJ - A creative revolution is taking place in Stewartsville, NJ, led by visionary Samantha ‘Sam’ Matthews. Through her Innovative Art Supply Thrift Pop-Up, Matthews’ dynamic hub at Propagate Studio is giving used art supplies a second life.
A whole new brand for Sam. More than shopping, private events, workshops and more. Sam has three main categories for her business: photos with Frankie, murals, and experiences. Through all three of these services, you will find an aesthetic, vibe, and element of “That’s So Sam.”
Sam’s Mission? “To bring joy and creative inspiration to all that hire me. I can’t wait to create some fun with you!” she says on her website. What else is so Sam? More Art, Less Trash.
Matthews is not only diverting tons of materials from landfills, but making art accessible to all by offering a “pay what you can” basis to the community. This is a refreshing twist on the traditional thrift store experience, and this one is specifically designed for artists.
With an exciting blend of creativity and sustainability, Matthews’ unique initiative took center stage at the West Windsor Arts Center on Aug. 3.
“Our guiding principle is ‘More Art, Less Trash,’” said Matthews of her mission, as this initiative makes art accessible by repurposing supplies to prevent waste and also spark creativity by providing affordable materials for talented individuals of all levels.
Matthews’ vision began with a modest pre-loved art supply section at Propagate Studio. After a friend told her about a creative reuse center in the Midwest based on a “pay what you can” model. This shift expanded the impact of Matthews’ work as well as igniting a growing interest in her mission.
The Innovative Art Supply Thrift Shop Pop-Up is a cornucopia of new and lightly used art materials. From yarn and colored pencils to acrylic, oil, and watercolor paints, the selection is as diverse as it is affordable. Each item has been carefully inspected, cleaned, and quality-tested to ensure that it meets the community's needs.
Aylin Green, the Executive Director of the West Windsor Arts Center, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives: “The Art Supply Thrift Shop Pop-Up encourages artists to experiment with new mediums and materials without breaking the bank. It truly embodies the saying, ‘One person’s waste is another’s treasure.’”
Matthews echoes this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact of her work. “Our goal is to inspire a mindset where waste is viewed as a creative opportunity, fostering a culture of sustainability within the artistic community.”
Matthews’ commitment to sustainability and creativity is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised in a household in Phillipsburg, NJ, where recycling and frugality were the norms, she was encouraged to explore her artistic talents from a young age. Her experiences at Gordon College, where she graduated with a BA in fine art, further shaped her philosophy of using available resources to fuel creativity.
“Spaces like Propagate Studio and the West Windsor Arts Center are important for creatives and the community because we are a safe place for people to be their truest selves and express themselves,” Matthews explains. “In these challenging times, our spaces offer a refuge where people can be re-inspired and empowered to share joy and creativity with the world.”
By repurposing art supplies and making them accessible to all, Matthews is championing a cause that resonates deeply with both artists and environmental advocates.It not only helps people find materials to fuel their next creative project but also joins a movement that values art and the planet equally.
Propagate Studio is a vibrant space where creativity grows. As an event space, community studio, and maker market, it welcomes everyone to share their craft and connect with the local community. Committed to respect for each other, the planet, and oneself, Propagate Studio invites you to learn more at propagatestudionj.com
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