ArtScraps & ArtStart451

ArtScraps - the reuse store and gallery run by ArtStart - turns one man's garbage into another man's treasure. ArtScraps works with businesses to keep remnants, overstock materials, and factory rejects out of landfills, then it sells the salvaged materials to schools, parents, and daycare centers.

The helpful, creative staff offers ideas for using the inexpensive goodies, which might, at any given time, include adhesive backed colored paper, plastic bottles, and feathers. The selection changes often. The store offers themed art-making workshops on Saturdays for kids and families throughout the year. Many of the materials are also used also by ArtStart's summer campers.

Parties: Birthdays at ArtScraps (best for ages five and up; maximum of 10 guests) cost $120 for a two-hour party which includes scrap materials for invitations, an artist-led themed art project, and treat bags from the store's wares for each guest. Parties are held at a long table on one side of the store and can be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays; book three weeks in advance. A fridge is available for cake and treats. Sample themes include bookmaking, outer space, treasure boxes, and masks.

Camps: ArtStart offers themed, reasonably-priced summer and school release day camps that spotlight the art and culture of individual countries and regions. Visit the website for details.