Sam Matthews, the creative force behind Propagate Studio in Stewartsville, NJ, is on a mission: a mission to give gently used art supplies a second life. Through the innovative Art Supply Thrift Shop Pop-Up, Matthews and her team divert tons of items from landfills, offering them to the community on a "pay what you can" basis. It’s a refreshing twist on the traditional thrift store experience, one designed specifically for artists.
On Saturday, August 3, 2024 starting at 10:00am, Matthews will bring her Art Supply Thrift Shop Pop-Up to West Windsor Arts Center. Registration is required. For a nominal entrance fee of $5, attendees can unleash their creativity and explore a vast selection of art materials donated by creatives in the community. Imagine wandering through a treasure trove of artistic possibilities, much like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory but for art enthusiasts.
“Our guiding principle is ‘More Art, Less Trash’. We aim to make art accessible to everyone while promoting sustainability. By repurposing these supplies, we not only prevent waste but also spark creativity, and provide affordable materials for talented individuals of all levels,” shares Matthews.
When Matthews opened her business, she had a pre-loved art supply section where items were priced very low. However, after a friend told her about a creative reuse center in the Midwest, she adopted a “pay what you can” model, and that’s when things started to take off.
The pop-up shop offers a wide selection of new and lightly used arts supplies: yarn, colored pencils, crayons (new or slightly used), acrylic, oil and watercolor paints, new and gently used paint brushes, scissors, beads, and beading tools, frames, photography equipment, stained glass equipment, pottery equipment, and much more. All items in the Art Supply Thrift Shop have been inspected, cleaned, and quality-tested to ensure customer satisfaction.
Matthews was introduced to Aylin Green, the Executive Director of West Windsor Arts, through her friend Maggie from Maggie May Craft who was a crochet instructor at the arts center. “I love shopping at these kinds of markets,” states Green. “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 emphasizes the importance of diverting valuable resources from the trash and into the hands of creators. “Our goal is to inspire a mindset where waste is viewed as a creative opportunity, fostering a culture of sustainability within the artistic community.”
“It is a win, win, win, situation: a win for the environment by keeping them out of the landfill, a win for the person buying the item because it is affordable, and a win for the person donating because they know they are supporting the environment, creatives, and our mission.”
Matthews’ upbringing in Phillipsburg, NJ, was deeply influenced by recycling, frugality, and creativity. She grew up in a split family where she had access to creative outlets at every age, from having a drawing easel in her bedroom to having a studio room and taking creative classes outside of school. She attended Gordon College in Wenham, MA, graduating with a BA in fine art in 2015. Her experience in art school, where she used anything she could find to fuel her creativity, inspired her to offer a space like Propagate Studio to any one regardless of age, background, and skill set.
“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. It’s no secret that we are living through harsh times but spaces like ours can be a place to be re-inspired and empowered to share love and joy to everyone around us through sharing our creativity,” Matthews emphasizes.
“At Propagate Studio, we value respect for one another, our planet, and ourselves,” she adds. “We strive to create a space where everyone feels inspired, encouraged, and filled with joy through art and sustainability.”
Discover Unique Treasures at the Arts Council of Princeton's yART Sale
On Saturday, August 3, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) is hosting its much--anticipated yART sale, featuring creative bargains and unique finds—all handcrafted by local artisans. This vibrant, flea-market style event will take place outdoors in the ACP parking lot and around the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts in Downtown Princeton.
Explore a variety of items from over 30 vendors, including ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, painting, and more. Find seconds, misprints, discounted designs, and one-of-a-kind pieces at studio clean-out prices. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for something special, the yART sale has something for everyone!
The West Windsor Arts Council offers art and cultural events, workshops, and classes for all ages and in all disciplines at the West Windsor Arts Center and in the community. For more information, call 609.716.1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.
Propagate Studio exists as a place for creativity to grow. They operate as an event space, community studio and maker market where everyone is welcome. They want to offer space for every creative to share themselves with the community while also growing their craft. They believe in respect for each other, our planet and ourselves. To learn more, visit propagatestudionj.com
The Arts Council of Princeton, a non-profit organization founded in 1967, fulfills its mission of building community through the arts by presenting a wide range of programs including public art projects, exhibitions, performances, free community cultural events, and studio-based classes and workshops. Arts Council of Princeton programs are designed to be high-quality, engaging, affordable and accessible for the diverse population in the greater Princeton region. To learn more, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org
PHOTOS: the inside the studio shots are by Sam Matthews; the portraits are by Sam Anderson Photography
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.
