The Smith Vocational High School gymnasium will be filled with creative genius from 9am – 3pm on Saturday, October 18 during Northampton’s ReUse Committee’s 75%+ Art Show & Sale. Over 25 area artists will offer works created from reclaimed material for sale. The family-friendly event will also feature workshops, artist demonstrations, a fashion show, an art & craft collection and a costume swap.
The Artists: Our sale has attracted veteran and novice craftspeople, young and old (early teens to septuagenarians) from 15 communities in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont. Their creations are made of discarded items such as toys, clothing, bottles, tins and food packaging.
The Fashion Show: A fashion show featuring clothing from seven Northampton resale clothing stores and artists represented at the show will take place at 10:30 AM.
The Workshops & Demonstrations: Artists will offer demonstrations and several hands-on workshops. Participants may learn how to make a musical instrument, a leather bracelet, reusable shopping bags, or a cardboard superhero accoutrement!
The Costume Swap: The public is invited to bring gently-used costumes for children, adults and pets as well as costume catalysts (masks, tiaras, leotards, wigs) for reuse. Drop-off starts Friday 10/17 from 5-7 PM and continues Saturday 8am-2pm. Collected material will be available to the public free of charge from 9am-2pm Saturday.
The Craft Collection: Concurrent with the costume swap, a collection of discarded items for participating artists will take place. We’re looking for game pieces, bottle caps, clothing, maps and other miscellany. A list detailing desired items is available below.
The Reuse Committee is a subcommittee of the City of Northampton’s Board of Public Works. Its volunteer members support Pioneer Valley reuse and waste reduction through free public events and operation of a reuse center.