You never know when you might need a cardboard rhinoceros or a hot pink mannequin head.
If you’ve ever wondered where many of the great artists of Richmond go to find their unique crafting materials, they’re probably a frequent visitor at SCRAP RVA.
Located in Richmond’s Brookland Park neighborhood, SCRAP RVA has grown to become a staple for artists of all kinds. Recently introducing a bigger and better location, SCRAP RVA has been able to watch the art community grow and flourish, thanks to the resources and materials they provide.
Humble Beginnings
There is a national group called SCRAP Creative Reuse, which was founded in Portland, Ore. in 1998 by a group of teachers looking for a way to reuse and repurpose their leftover classroom materials. In 1999, it became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. SCRAP Creative Reuse is now a network of grassroots creative reuse centers all over the country.
Fast forward to 2012, Scrap Creative Reuse came to Richmond.
SCRAP RVA began just as a center where people could donate their used and extra arts and crafts materials to be reused. They accept just about anything, from cardboard boxes to anonymous vintage paintings. SCRAP RVA uses a fair, research-based pricing system to make the materials affordable for its customers.
The original location had barely enough space to hold all the materials people were donating. Executive Director Amy Turner joined SCRAP RVA in 2018 and has helped lead the team to incredible success since then.
“We used to just be a teeny tiny store,” Turner said. “Now we just keep growing and growing!”
In 2024, the store moved right down the street from its original location in Brookland Park to a brand-new building with much more room to let creativity flow. The new space has led to more funding, which means more staff to make dreams happen.
A Huge pART of the Community
Now, SCRAP RVA is more than just a store with quirky yarn, stamps and cardstock. SCRAP RVA is a community space – a place where people come to connect and create.
“This new store is the best,” Turner said. “We finally have the room for workshops. We can finally do things.”
The new location of SCRAP RVA has not only provided space for more art supplies and donations, but has also allowed the store to host community events, art classes, workshops and more.
“We can do birthday parties and things that we could never do before,” Turner said. “This location has opened up the world.”
There are a wide variety of events held at SCRAP RVA. Its dedicated network of volunteers allows them to host anything from community morning yoga to “after hours” craft workshops.
Volunteers from SCRAP RVA often help with Richmond Public Schools’ after-school program for elementary students. They go to different schools to work on art projects and talk to kids about sustainability and creativity to educate them at an early age.
Volunteers from SCRAP RVA also sometimes go into retirement homes to work on art projects with the residents and their families.
“We have the staffing to do all these things now,” Turner said. “Before, we couldn’t do it all and now we have dedicated volunteers and dedicated people.”
Finding a new Purpose
From world-renowned artists to VCUart sudents on a budget, Richmond is home to a huge community of artists. SCRAP RVA has served as a vital resource for artists in need of affordable and quality materials.
SCRAP RVA provides affordable supplies for artists to make their visions come to life. Not only is SCRAP RVA budget-friendly, but it is also one-of-a-kind. You won’t find the same materials anywhere else – which has built an incredibly unique collection of art and artists in the community.
The sustainable life cycle of the art materials at SCRAP RVA is helping Richmond’s art community thrive. You can find local art featured in the store, which now also functions as a gallery for local artists.
Just because one person is done with something, that doesn’t mean it’s time to be thrown away. Artists are often able to find beauty in the most bizarre things.
“I don’t know who made some of these things, but I love them,” Turner said. “It keeps love going – as long as somebody’s loving it, that’s all that matters.”
The next time you think about throwing away that old box of random supplies that’s been sitting in your attic for years, consider donating it to SCRAP RVA. Just think about the beautiful work of art it has the possibility to blossom into!
For more information on SCRAP RVA, visit their website.
