OUR STORY
The concept behind Friends of Spare Parts dba Spare Parts was developed and founded in 2011 by Mary Elizabeth Cantú, as a response to the lack of arts funds and resources in PreK-12 classrooms.
In 2018 Spare Parts officially became a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization (Friends of Spare Parts). Spare Parts believes partnership and programs centered on creative reuse practice builds smart, lasting and win/win initiatives. Professional Development Program (RE-Edu), Creative Reuse Education Program (RE-Mix), Spare Parts Exhibitions/Long-term projects (RE-Create) are a few of the creative reuse focused programs and resources offered regularly. As a result, Spare Parts is creating a pathways to reducing landfill tonnage.
In April 2021 Spare Parts opened the Center for Creative Reuse to the public. The Center for Creative Reuse facilitates the intake of pre-owned creative materials and supplies that would otherwise be thrown away or underutilized and offers them back into the community through our program offerings and storefront. The revenue earned ensures that Spare Parts can continue to expand and serve the community.
Spare Parts inspires and supports the growing San Antonio creative community and our classrooms through environmental accountability. Sustainability, affordability and accessibility to the arts through reuse education is paramount.
MISSION
We advance reuse and sustainability through creativity and the arts.
CORE VALUES
To support cultural and environmental sustainability;
to provide affordability and accessibility to the arts;
to offer community education;
and to foster creativity, green-style.
VISION
To increase reuse and sustainable practices. Through programing, education and physical development, Spare Parts empowers citizens to reduce landfill tonnage through reuse and environmental accountability.
Learn more about the Center For Creative Reuse here
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