Art of Recycle is one of the best non-profit resources that Lancaster County has and I hope we never take them for granted. Pre-pandemic they were an awesome place to take the kids to do craft projects and to shop for inexpensive crafting supplies. Unfortunately the pandemic hit and they had to close the store to the public - but they didn't stop providing valuable resources to the community. They’ve been helping teachers get free teaching books and supplies for their classrooms. They spent the summer expanding and remodeling for the day they can fully reopen to the public. But one of the best resources that they’ve provided is free books for children. Our public library has been closed for months due to the pandemic. Art of Recycle is one of very few, if any, places to get free books for children to read and for supplemental academic support for families doing online school. They truly have a heart for our community and we are very blessed to have them. Thank you Chelas, Mr Special, and all your wonderful staff for adding a little joy to all of our lives.
I first stumbled upon art of recycle in 2017 and immediately fell in love! An amazing mission that has so many meaningful and beneficial purposes. I don’t get down to Ephrata very often. Now only making it once a year. But I follow art of recycle on their socials and share their information. If I lived closer, I would definitely be volunteering there. The organized rooms are so impressive and a crafters dream! I just bought their book and saw the chapter that talked about this site so I wanted to make sure I contributed with a review. I wish every town had a center like this!
This non profit harasses customers they do not like. Things like following you through the store like a shadow and getting a close to you physically or they will pull their phone out and start recording you with out them being prompted to do so. The one "owner" (they run the place but do not take a salary, yet benefit from profits) has a habit of being out on the floor or on their social media platforms and defaming former volunteers and workers. This is why there is a large turnover rate for volunteers and employees.
artofrecycle 11/05/2024
Number 1, no staff would ever take out their phone and video anyone, because, like other stores, we have security cameras that monitor the store. It is illegal in the state of Pennsylvania to video a person without their permission unless it was for defense. So, if this happened, why didn’t you call the police? Number 2, AoR has many staff who has worked at AoR for nearly a decade. Number 3, We do have high turnover of employees and volunteers because we are a job training program that works together with other organizations with job training programs. If we didn’t have people moving on to permanent jobs, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs. Number 4, there is no owner. AoR is a non-profit, and there is no profit for someone to take. AoR is audited by outside certified accountants every year, by law. AoR wouldn’t be able to exist for 16 years if someone was stealing profits. AoR shows complete transparency of all reviews for the intelligent public to view. Take your drama elsewhere.
artofrecycle 11/05/2024
Tell us your real name, because we will sue you for slander so fast that your head will spin. Stop hiding behind your fake profiles.
The last four years have been the toughest four years of our entire endeavor at Art of Recycle. We witnessed many small organizations close their doors forever, most of them were art centers that meant a lot to the small communities that they served. At Art of Recycle we did our best to help keep many organizations and programs from closing their doors by providing as much support as we could to as many programs as we could. However, the worst part of the shutdown was not the shutdown itself, it was the long recovery time that followed after. Organizations, like our own, are still struggling to keep going, just as are many others. The pandemic may be over, but the financial destruction that the pandemic caused is still here, leaving many non-profits with large debt that they had accrued in their attempt to keep their doors open during 2020 and the following years.
What makes Art of Recycle special is our commitment to those in need. AoR isn’t simply an art center, it is a true community center that has a wonderful team of dedicated people who want the best for the people we serve. The sacrifices that we make to keep our programs running and our work at helping to create equity in our communities are worth every moment of our time and energies. Knowing that thousands of children benefit from our organization’s mission is what keeps our doors open. Seeing the direct impact of our work motivates us to keep going. Thank you for believing in us and thank you for your support!
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Art of Recycle started in 2008 because of a physical illness that went undiagnosed for 18 years. A ruptured ovary. Without a diagnosis, I needed something to help me survive through the pain. It was a very long 18 years to get through. I had nothing to lose, so all I did was give. My ovary had ruptured so many times that scar tissue had glued my ovary to my abdominal cavity and eventually the scar tissue had lacerated and I was bleeding out. Everyday I thought I was on the verge of passing out, but none of the tests that the doctors ordered showed anything and left me untreated and without any strength. I was walking with a walker on the worst days, and some days all I could do was sit. My best friend was always by my side and he took over maintaining the organization as it grew. The free teacher area was started because teachers from Philadelphia visited and asked for pencils, any pencils, as long as they worked. They would drive two to four hours to pick up boxes of pencils, pens and markers. That is when we realized that there was a real purpose to what we were doing and we decided that was the direction we wanted to put our focus towards.
During the course of the 15 years of developing Art of Recycle, I ran into a lot of woman who had similar stories of undiagnosed pain. Some had eventually found a diagnosis, others were just like me, going back and forth to doctors with no results. The were left in limbo. Like some of them, I eventually got lucky and found a doctor that was able to help me. Unfortunately, most of the damage that was done to my nervous system is in repairable. I am left with debilitating pain that comes and goes. I have good days and I have bad days. I continue my work at Art of Recycle, unpaid, knowing that I will never have a normal life. I spend my time helping where I can and assisting young adults and teenagers with challenges. I do my best to encourage them, to build up their self esteem and to help them one on one with building math skills, reading and writing, and job and life skills. Art of Recycle rocks, and so does the team that has come together to make this one of the most incredible places on earth.
As a board member and a co-founder, I am only a volunteer and do not receive any pay for my involvement in this organization. Because of my neurological pain I have difficulty with being able to lift heavy items or to standing in one place or sitting in one spot for a long time.
I first visited Art of Recycle as part of my job, supporting adults with disabilities volunteer in the community. The directors and staff welcomed us and always treated everyone with dignity and respect. No one ever felt different at AoR. It's a beautiful place, with a beautiful mission, conceptualized and brought to life by beautiful people. It was a pleasure and a privilege to "have to" spend my workday volunteering there. :-) Having a space in the community where anyone can be as creative as they like, with the support of the brilliant imaginations of Chelas and Mr. Nobody Special, is truly a treasure.
Wow ...........................................
artofrecycle 10/06/2024
This is a symbol of good luck in some cultures. This is not the nazi symbol. It’s unfortunate that you felt inclined to attack our organization online rather than communicate with our staff about this matter. If you had taken the time to ask our staff about the pin, we could have educated you on its meaning. The fact that you took a photo and waited several weeks to post this picture is disturbing. The clockwise swastika is called surya, and it means the sun. It is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. We receive a lot of unique pins and other kitschy items that might not be understood properly, but this pin was possibly made as part of the movement of “taking back the swastika” or it could have been made at a time when the swastika was very popular in the US. Many of the pins that we display are pre-war era. Also, the nazi symbol has a white circular background.
artofrecycle 11/05/2024
Now that I am seeing this posted on other sites with different aliases, with names such as “CD” and “a”, I’m starting to realize that you put this pin up and you keep spreading it around, even though the pin had been taken down weeks before you posted this review. Enough with the harassment. Whatever made you mad has nothing to do with us. I think you are just one hateful person. You’re an internet troll.
Art Of Recycle is the most unique and wonderful place that I have ever seen. I have been given the opportunity to assist teachers in the teacher resource rooms. It is so rewarding to be able to talk with these teachers to learn how they use these donated items to enrich the lives of their students. This center is open to all types of teachers. This includes public school teachers, private school teachers ,youth group leaders, scout leaders, camp directors, activity directors, Bible school teachers, Librarians, other nonprofits, and more. It is just amazing to see the amount of donations that come through these doors. There are like new reusable supplies for all ages and all subjects. Anything from pencils to microscopes. There are hundreds of beautiful books of all kinds, posters, tablets, markers, crayons, paints, notebooks, games, sports equipment, science equipment, art supplies, office supplies, pre school equipment, special needs supplies, and much much more ! We are helping our environment by reusing these items as well as teaching our youth to be resourceful and creative. The future looks great, our youth are our future leaders. ❤️
Art of Recycle has had many changes this past year. We consolidated our operations back to a single location which gave us much needed improvements to shelving and organizational options throughout the community center and teacher resource room. We forged many new connections and partnerships with other local community driven nonprofits. Several of our teens who were participants in our youth leadership job training program left us as they moved forward in their educational journeys; we are celebrating their coming adventures. This left us with spaces in the program which we are excited to fill with new youth ready to start their adventures in the working world. As our mission defines, we provide an environment for diverse learners, and we understand that everyone who wants to learn and contribute to their community should have a supporting environment to grow their skills.
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Earlier this week I was really needing to be working on paperwork. Instead I spent the morning working with some of my favorite friends who were volunteering through a partner organization's job training program. There were three volunteers who came with one staff trainer. The task I had for them had multiple phases in two places in the building. We encourage skill building out of enjoyment of the work, by ensuring that the individual has a task that helps them to learn and grow and the volunteers chose to work in both areas. The staff member from their organization who had brought them was concerned that she could not keep an eye on all three and so I stuck around and worked with one of them while she organized the drawers of rubber stamps. The paperwork and maintenance tasks I had scheduled for myself waited while I remembered and enjoyed the work that our organization is about. We help all members of our community to learn and thrive no mater what challenges life has thrown their way. We may not be able to fix their lives but we can help them develop the tools to make their world a better place. And I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out watching the volunteer tackle a challenge with a smile and a great wit.
Art of Recycle helps me get answers to questions I never thought of before. I have been working here for years. I started out as a volunteer one day a week. To help out more I went to two days a week and then to three. I wasn't sure my first day if I was going to like it. But then I kept working for free until they started to pay me. I used to live close enough that I could walk over in about 10 minutes, but I moved to another local town. It is a half hour drive, or an hour on two busses, but I have a stop in Lancaster at the bus station. Most days my bosses give me a ride. This is the best job I've ever had. I've had bosses yell at me. I mean I've had a job that I had to switch departments just to get away from a mean manager. The longest jobs I ever had are Friendly's and Willow Valley Resort, and that was ten years each. I think I've been here 6 years.
I am a prek and the resources the Art of Recycle are invaluable to me. I only hands on and I need manipulative to achieve this goal. The resource materials are in gently used shape are a fabulous addition to my curriculum. I strongly recommend this facilitate for teachers and day care centers. I have been teaching for over 30 years and I have never fou d a better resource. Donna Sharkey
Art of Recycle is amazing! We visited for the first time almost a decade ago now and are so very happy to have accidentally found them! The atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly and it's great to see all the donated items being used for art and crafting. You just never know what you might find when visiting, surprises around every corner. The staff are also great abd remember faces of those who've cone once or twice before which is nice. I visit at least once or twice a month with my granddaughters in tow because Art of Recycle is there go to place for crafting fun!
This is the best art supply thrift in the country. I've visited "upcycled" craft shops in dozens of states. Art of Recycle has helpful employees, fair pricing, massive variety, and the most unique environment. I've been visiting them since their old location in a super quirky, narrow trianglular lot. They've come a long way, but kept their charm. The weirdest odds n ends, along with a craft corner, AND a teacher zone, make Art of Recycle a superb experience!
Art of Recycle is a wonderful place for craft supplies, classes, books, and goods. Entire staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. You always feel welcome and are treated like you are important to the staff . Art of Recycle does wonderful things for the community.
Art of Recycle provides great teacher and community resources, and are incredibly generous.
Through their free teacher resource program they have aided me in supplying materials for several years now for summer camps and afterschool art programs. I have received many different types of supplies, from traditional teacher supplies like paper, rulers, rubber stamp supplies, and containers, to mixed media materials for upcycling art projects, and so much more.
They also run an incredible artsy thrift store that provides the general public with a huge array of widely varied art materials at an incredible value and host daily free, art making activities in their kids craft castle.
Their generosity is truly appreciated by the thousands of teachers and students, and wider public that they impact positively.
I am a teacher and want to mention again how the Art of Recycle has supplemented my curriculum. I must teach hands-on to 4 and 5 year olds and Art of Recycle has helped me to just that. I am very grateful!
Marcie McCarthy
I am on the Youth Gardening Committee of the Garden Club of York. We share our love of gardening with city youth, Girl Scouts, and children in the community. Our committee was able to gather materials in the Teacher Center of the Art of Recycle that allowed us to fill take-home bags with supplies for gardening and conservation activities. We take 40 bags to the Martin Library in the City of York four times a year. I also collected supplies to use with Girl Scouts working to earn gardening badges. None of this would be possible without the Art of Recycle’s generosity.
AOR is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s like stepping back into another time and space where kindness matters and being quirky at times is the norm in a world that conforms even to the detriment of others. They have two lovely stores that sell just about anything you can imagine. But their greater gift is their employees and the community outreaches they do to make this world a better place. They genuinely care and that’s a forgotten attribute. Even as the pandemic continues to twirl and whirl everyone’s lives, they have remained steadfast and committed to their purpose. They didn’t close up shop (especially for the teachers who desperately needed classroom supplies from their free teachers resource center). Growing pains are never easy but they’ve doubled the store size when so many others gave up. “Just keep swimming” should be their mantra because they not only accomplish so much with limited resources, they do it with grace, love and compassion. Well done all my friends (even the ones I haven’t met yet), well done … just keep keeping on - so many spectacular, phenomenal things await. Thank you for being an integral part of our village and for all that all of you do to make it possible.
LOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEE this place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I love everything about Art of recycle. Their mission, the staff, the building. I can honestly say finding them was life changing for me. A place with a laid back environment where I can spend time with my children. They love it. I don’t even have to spend money, but I do because I always find something cool in their awesome thrift shop. I have met so many nice people from the community, and have made life long friendships. I cannot say enough good things about Art of recycle I finally found a place I belong
A great place for children 10/10. A very welcoming place. Had always had great support and help when visiting the art of recycle
Art of Recycle has a huge variety of items available for recycled art projects. All of these items have been donated by community individuals and groups. Art of Recycle encourages using recycled items in creative ways. They are involved in many community outreach programs, such as community card projects, giving such things as Bakers Kits to youth groups, church youth groups, home-schoolers, YMCA, YWCA, school and pre-school classes. Senior Centers are often involved in helping to create kits for the community card project. Volunteer and training opportunities are available for special needs high-school and LIU groups. Students planning on majoring in art often volunteer during the summer to get "behind-the-scenes" experience. The "Free Teachers Area" offers a wide variety of supplies to teachers and is a valuable way of serving the community. The Art of Recycle is a friendly, fun place to visit. Staff and volunteers are helpful and welcoming. This is a good place to find art supplies at reasonable prices. share creative ideas, and make friendships.
We are a homeschooling family with four kiddos. This place has such an amazing section of books and craft supplies. My kids always beg to hang out here. Chelas and Mr. Special are wonderful people. They are helpful and friendly to all that enter their building. My daughter made a dress with materials from AOR.
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Every single time I'm at The Little Art Bank (part of Art Of Recycle in Hanover) I overhear customers (They ARE open odd days and hours but you should call first) complementing the place and the kind folks that work there. It is indeed a credit to Hanover and the entire art community.
My family absolutely loves coming to the art of recycling! From the time they were younger to now being teenagers they still love it! They love the advice they get there too! They also really enjoy being able to be creative at the craft castle.
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I have been a part of the creation of this organization since 2008. It has grown in the direction of people’s needs, and guided by an amazing team of people.
I remember when it was just a vision in our heads. Now it serves thousands of people, has hundreds of volunteers, does an amazing job at helping the community in the most thought out manners. Art of Recycle has exceeded anything we could have dreamt, and it is all because of the community that works hard to make it happen.
Bravo, and a huge thank you to everyone that has been involved in helping to make this non-profit a reality.
Art of Recycle has changed my life. My first encounterance with Art of Recycle was 15 years ago when I started taking their sketching workshop on Thursday nights. I started volunteering at AOR when I lost my long term employment as a counselor. I had gotten many supplies from the store for my client's creative therapy program and my personal artwork. After awhile I decided to work for them in the warehouse and creative workshops. It was the best move I ever made! I love the environment here and watching the joy of the people who come here as workers, customers, volunteers and just folks, like myself who love to be around art. The population that is served range from High Schoolers, retired seniors an people with special needs who enjoy donating their time and enthusiasm to AOR. Imagine a business whose primary model is to bring creativity and wellness to the community at large.
I watched Cheles and Nobody turn a small business with an altruistic concept to help the underserved children and art enthusiasts into a multi level non profit agency. AOR also donates free teacher supplies to teachers from all over the country who may not have had an art program or basic supplies without the help AOR offers.
Art of Recycle founders offer a culture of acceptance to all and ask very little for themselves. During the pandemic Chelas and Nobody made sure their staff was compensated and no one was laid off. They also took all precautions to close the store and workshops and to do everything in their power to ensure the safety of the staff and the community. These are the values we so rarely find other places and I am so grateful to have found Art of Recycle.
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I cannot say give Art of Recycle enough praise. I have been affiliated with this wonderful agency and business for many years and in various capacities. At first it was a place to go and meet up with other aspiring artists as well as taking classes with the very talented Chelas and the industrious Nobody. Later as I started getting into my art more intently Chelas was a great consultant and the store always seemed to have what I needed for my projects. In recent years the business has also become a refuge for kids of all abilities and teachers in need of supplies. I volunteered for a few weeks this past summer at was so impressed by the program for school teachers who came from miles away to avail themselves of this service. I hope Art of Recycle continues to be a success for many years to come.
Art of Recycle and their staff became a super valuable part of my families lives back in 2012 while living in a shelter for women and children. It gave us a place to relax and craft and release the stresses of the world. The craft castle was an oasis for my children where their imaginations could run wild and for that moment I didn't have to stress finances or wonder how to pay for supplies for my children. The finger puppets and magic tree house stage took center with Mr Nobody and Chelas, as well as other staff and patrons, encouraged, inspired, assisted and cheered on my children. Without AoR and the love they showed my family I am not sure what I would have done at that time. They truly became like family and lifelong friends.
Art of Recycle has provided free wrapping paper and bows to the foster care charity I’m working with. They are doing great things for the environment while recycling all these materials.
Art of Recycle is an inspiration not only to the artist side of a person but for a way to improve a community. Everything they do has a ripple effect touching lives and making them better. It's a 45 minute drive to the center but worth it every trip to see my son and daughter taking in the resources and creating artistic treasures.
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Art of Recycle is what every community needs! That is what they foster and that is who is benefitted most from them - the community. We travel 45 minutes to be able to participate in the art, crafts, and fellowship by this wonderful organization. I also appreciate how they give new life to things lots of people would consider trash.
As an activity professional In Senior care, I need to c9me up with creative ideas for my elders to enjoy. AOR staff has been a huge help from giving me ideas and suggesting craft projects to allowing me access to the free cycle teachers area for materials. As a creative person myself, I have enjoyed the classes, drop ins, and just browsing the shelves for my next project. My aunt is an artist in another state, and whenever she comes to visit AOR is on her list of places to go for materials for her sculptures.
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This is a magical shop where cast off treasures can become art supplies for your creative mind. My aunt lives in North Jersey, and whenever they come to visit she insists on a visit to Art of Recycle so that she can stock up on watercolor books and odd ends for her found art garden sculptures. The craft castle is a great place to take the kids where they can craft with the provided supplies for free and have a great time. There is an entire basement of free items for teachers to come and claim, but not only for teachers. I personally am an activity assistant for a senior care facility, and I have found great treasures there to take back to share with my residents. With so many schools cutting arts and creative pursuits, this is a place for children of all ages. The workeshops are offered regularly and are economical ways to try a new craft. There is a Unicorn Membership that will even allow for some free workshops and a discount on others. YOU NEED TO GO.
I love Art of Recycle. I recommend this store to everyone I meet. Just the environment is inspirational with creative decor and oddities in every room. Whether your a beginner artist/crafter or a seasoned professional you'll find something great to work with. Even if you're not a crafter you can find treasures and hard to find objects at great prices. I've been shopping here so long they feel like family and will go out of their way to try to help you. They also have great activities for kids and a free crafting area for them to get their creative juices flowing. Don't forget to stop your little ones by the wishing the, where they can write a note to the fairies. When you think they can't get any better, they do. They also feature a free teachers area to help teachers with classroom supplies and often have resources for homeschoolers as well. Fantastic!
I absolutely love this place! I first discovered them about 8 years ago. The owners are such incredibly kind and creative people. The work they do with the community is amazing, I know the impact they have - from helping the disabled find purpose and learn life skills, to providing free teaching resources to schools and daycares near and far - is irreplaceable.
And as an added bonus, the store is a local treasure. Any time my kids have had a school project, that’s where we would go to look for the perfect supplies. Any time I want to work on a project around the house, I go there first to look for supplies. And just going there without a particular project in mind, even, searching through all the treasure, is such a creative blast.
When my kids were younger, going there for some fun, inexpensive, crafting time, and making finger puppets for a puppet show in their magical theater, was a treat they looked forward to.
And, of course, knowing I can donate my “re-craftables”, and they will find a good purpose, is really terrific as well.
Can’t say enough good things!
I discovered Art of Recycle eight years ago when looking for a place to donate my mother's art supplies such as canvas, paints, frames and more. Art of Recycle is a wonderful organization which provides service to its local community in so many ways. A craft castle which encourages children to imagine and create art, shelves and shelves of free art/educational material for teachers, and a crafter's dream of a thrift shop full of supplies. In addition, there are volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities. I'm glad that Art of Recycle has the support of its community and continues to grow and find new ways to be of service.
Art of Recycle is one of the best non-profit resources in Lancaster County.During the pandemic they were still able to provide valuable resources to the community, despite having to close their own doors to the public. They have done so much for so many and they are genuine.Thank you Chelas, Nobody and all your wonderful staff for the joy, safety and love you bring with every interaction. I am still amazed at all the things you offer the community and can't wait until your doors are opened again and I can bring my kiddos.
Art of Recycle is one of the best non-profit resources that Lancaster County has and I hope we never take them for granted. Pre-pandemic they were an awesome place to take the kids to do craft projects and to shop for inexpensive crafting supplies. Unfortunately the pandemic hit and they had to close the store to the public - but they didn't stop providing valuable resources to the community. They’ve been helping teachers get free teaching books and supplies for their classrooms. They spent the summer expanding and remodeling for the day they can fully reopen to the public. But one of the best resources that they’ve provided is free books for children. Our public library has been closed for months due to the pandemic. Art of Recycle is one of very few, if any, places to get free books for children to read and for supplemental academic support for families doing online school. They truly have a heart for our community and we are very blessed to have them. Thank you Chelas, Mr Special, and all your wonderful staff for adding a little joy to all of our lives.
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Art of Recycle is awesome. I started bringing my child there to do crafts several years ago. The craft castle is awesome. They also have a lot of inexpensive classes for just about any kind of art you can think of. They especially help teachers by providing lots of art supplies for their classrooms at no expense. AOR has been a favorite place to just browse - you never know what treasures you might find - and that includes the Chelas, Mr Special, and their phenomenal staff.
So glad to have found this place! I am grateful for the materials they donated to my preschool and for all that they do to serve their community!!
My daughter and I found -“Art of Recycle” in an unusual way. We were enjoying a very magical last day together before she flew to Europe.
As we walked back to the car, I had just finished saying, “I wish we could find a place to recycle these bottles” when we looked over and saw - The Art of Recycle. We walked in the door and knew we had found the perfect magical spot.
Their former shop was very small, and although it was organized, you had to dig through bins to see everything- is there anything more fun than looking for buried treasure?
My daughter had just picked up the perfect travelers coat with mismatched buttons at a local thrift shop, and Art of Recycle’s whimsical place fit right in with our mood.It was the perfect end to our day.
That was several years ago. Now, hit their shop before any craft or centerpiece project I need to create, and base my design around the unique things I always find.
The staff are as engaging and quirky as the shop, naturally.
Even if I never found another item I could use (yeah, right), I’d continue to shop there to help fund the tons of free teachers items they maintain, the fact that they provide students with a disability the chance to help out in the community, and that they employ those with a disability. And, they do all that in a fun, ‘we’re so glad YOU’RE here way.
You can challenge your creative brain, know you’re among friends, donate craft stuff, and help your own community. Why WOULDN’T you shop there.
I am a full time kindergarten teacher for a before and after school program. If it wasn’t for Art of Recycle I honestly do not know what my coworkers and I could do with the kids. Because of them, we are able to provide many separate materials (due to covid) and many many craft projects! I even use many of the products I get for learning while I interweave the fun! Thank you thank you thank you for what you do for us teachers! The kids literally screamed when I gave them the baking sets and aprons. Seriously, thank you.
They have done so much for the communities, teachers and individuals. They have supported the Little Art Bank in Hanover, PA, without them, we could not provide materials to our community. They are so giving and caring!!! Check them out, you will be amazing!!!!
As an Early Childhood Educator, I am always looking for novel and inexpensive materials to facilitate artistic and free expression in my classroom. If not for the Free Teacher Area and the built-for-a-teachers budget store, I would not be able to do so without a major hit to my own pocketbook. Their summer programs for children are engaging and fun-filled. And our childcare facility has also held it's yearly staff Christmas celebrations there, allowing teachers to shop, celebrate and unwind. The ability to drop off leftover materials from large projects and camp experiences is hassle free. The staff is amazing, welcoming and educated in the needs of our children. I do not know what our community would do without such a stellar resource.
My daughter and I went for a fairy garden event and absolutely loved it! It was our first time there and after the event we shopped around and enjoyed ourselves. Great place !
Absolutely one of my favorite places in Ephrata. I love being able to spend quality time with my kids and the craft castle is a great place to do that. A great way to try out a new craft without spending a lot of money on materials. The staff goes above and beyond to help and you can tell how much they enjoy this. I wish every town was as lucky to have such a wonderful place like this.
Love this store! They have very reasonably priced crafts and supplies. They also have a program for teachers or PSO members to recieve supplies for upcoming projects for free! The staff is AlWAYS friendly, helpful and kind. There is also the crafting castle where kids can create and play. Definitely recommend this store!
As a kindergarten teacher I end up spending a lot of money on materials for the classroom. Art of Recycle is amazing! I always find things that I can use in my classroom. They have everything from art supplies to colored printer paper and plastic baggies. I always leave with my arms full! Thank you for being so generous.
I’m a brand new special education teacher in an urban school that doesn’t have much to offer in the way of supplies. Most teachers purchase teaching materials out of their own pockets. I learned about The Art of Recycle from one of the school’s art teachers and decided to check it out.
Wow! Was I amazed at what this place had to offer! There’s a basement room filled with anything and everything you can imagine to stock up supplies in the classroom! And it’s all free for teachers!
I left the store with gallon sized plastic bags filled with crayons, pens, colored pencils, and markers; stacks of colored construction paper, books, pencil sharpeners, posters, a cork board, and much more! All for free!
If you’re a teacher and in need of supplies or have supplies cluttering up your classroom that you no longer need, I would highly recommend visiting this store to stock up and/or donate what you no longer need!
Not to mention the absolutely beautiful craft/play room for your kids! The next time I go I’m taking my young grandkids with me to make a craft and play in the playroom!
I highly recommend checking this place out - teachers, crafters, artists, and anyone looking for supplies or items to express your creativity!!
I love art of recycle! We visit a couple times a month and always leave with some goodies. During our last trip, I was only the hunt for items for my son’s chemistry birthday party. I found pipettes, goggles, centrifuge tubes, and more.
Impacting others lives and growing community are just a little of what I witness within and beyond the doors of Art of Recycle. These two lovely folks are very dear and move mountains beyond any possible fear to see dreams become reality. Working countless hours with genuine care for each other, their employees, volunteers and all whose stride guides them to AoR. It’s always an exciting anticipation to see what they create next. They prove that boundaries don’t exist and create space where imaginations come to life.
We’ve traveled a distance to witness the extraordinary of a very dear lifetime friend. Creative and resourceful always.
I've visited AoR a few times now, and am always stunned at the options. I am a teacher, so I get access to some free supplies. I've helped support our science programs thanks to the supplies made available through AoR! We have been able to keep doing dissections with 9th grade students and other labs requiring some expensive replacement tools I was able to get FREE! I've also shopped there to get supplies for my school because they have such an awesome variety of odds and ends. I feel like Ariel from The Little Mermaid when there - but my collection is never complete! I can't thank AoR enough for their support!
I have been shopping at the Art of Recycle for over two years. I love it more than any store at the mall. I also utilize the free teacher resources and recently used some stuff from AoR for a family activity, Upcycled Monster Mash, at the Erie Art Museum, in Erie, Pennsylvania.
I remember being introduced to Art of Recycle while they were still in the old building. I think it’s really awesome that there’s a place to donate old crafting items or other various items instead of just throwing them away.
The fact that they give teachers free supplies is amazing and I’m constantly telling my friend who teach or know teachers about Art of Recycle. Staff is super friendly and helpful. They will always be my go to when I need craft supplies.
This place is amazing. Changing inventory, unique finds. The staff is friendly and helpful. The owners are making such an impact in the community and people’s lives.
We fell in love with Art of Recycle when they first opened. We would carve out a couple hours every so often to go in and look around. I don't think we've ever left there without finding something we could use for a project. Sadly, we have moved too far away to visit any more, but it's definitely a priority if we ever get back to PA again! We also follow them on Facebook every day, and use Smile at Amazon to help fund their charity. They are that wonderful!
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I have been going to Art of Recycle since they were in a tiny little building in the center of town. I've watched them grow so much in the community. It's the first place we go when we need items for our projects at home. Chelas and Mr. Nobody are almost always there, eager to help us find something, or share in our excitement over our projects. It's going to rip a hole in our hearts when we move too far away to visit them.
AoR is my happy place in Ephrata. It is a fantasy land full of discovery, unique things and second chances. My kids thrive and their creativity explodes into a myriad of onspiration and imagination.
What a gem! This is such a great organization that offers the ability for teachers and other educator types to stay within budget when trying to meet the needs of their activities for kids. I try to visit at least once a month and always manage to find just the thing I need.
Art Of Recycle is such a great store and craft center with an amazing mission! What they do for the community and teachers is so wonderful.
Art of Recycle is the best place ever! The love and passion they put into their store is amazing. The staff is very helpful and personable. I am a teacher at a before and after school program and love going into the teacher free area. The children in my care benefit so much off of this area. We use the plastic cups for building, art supplies for crafts, books for our quiet area and even some dramatic play items. Thank you for ALL you do! Art of Recycle is AWESOME! I wish I could give them more then 5 stars!!
Even IF I have nothing in particular that I am looking for at Art of Recycle, I always become inspired with the donated objects I come across to work into a craft or project to go along with a lesson at my in home daycare. From simple magnets to paper, wooden blocks or even simple pipe cleaners.
Art of Recycle is one of my absolute favorite places. I am so happy I found out about them. An affordable place to find an amazing variety of supplies to bring my many creations to life. And every trip there inspires new ideas as well. The staff is always friendly and patient & I love that they provide opportunities for those with special needs to learn job skills, etc. there. It’s wonderful how much they help out teachers as well! Basically, AOR is like an artist’s little slice of heaven on earth.
I love this store. Everyone is so kind and the free teachers area- what a blessing to them! I tell all of my teacher friends about it. My kids love the craft area and the pirate ship puppet area? Awesome! It's a great, affordable way to keep your creative juices flowing! Thank you :)
Art of Recycle is a great crafting supply store. This business model helps local communities reduce our carbon footprint and provides cost effective options for projects.
We've gone to Art of recycle many times. We enjoy shopping and finding all the neat things to create projects with a different flair. The kids enjoy looking in all the nooks and crannies to find strange things that are there. And we love the fact that they help the teachers
As an art education graduate and children's ministry worker, I was more than excited to find out there was a community center like this nearby!
At first I enjoyed finding affordable and unique art finds in their store. Then as I entered into teaching, I found their teacher resource area to be a blessing. Budgets are tight but you don't want that to get in the way of a quality education for children! Most teachers use their own money to supplement. With a resource like Art of Recycle your budget can go further without sacrificing quality and creativeness.
I also love knowing there is a donation center where your donations are going to a great cause. Over the years as I have cleaned out art closets and classrooms, I have always brought unused or overstocked supplies to them knowing they will get to the people who need it most!
And as if I don't have enough great things to say, the staff is amazing! They are dedicated to offering the community a center for creativity and healing.
My kids and I absolutely Love going to Art of Recycle. Whenever we think of a new project or craft we want to try, that’s the first place we go to get the materials. Since June we have gotten all of the materials we needed to make friendship bracelets, learn to knit, learn to crochet and our latest crafting obsession, string art. We’ve also found many lovely decorations for our house along the way. I love that we have a place so close and affordable that lets my kids try any craft they can think of.
Art of Recycle is such an amazing place! I'm married to a teacher and know the struggle each year to create an environment of learning for our children on a shoe string budget. Art of Recycle allows teachers to "shop" their teacher area for FREE! What an amazing gift to any classroom! I've never been in the teacher area personally because I'm always too engrossed in the deals to be had upstairs in their retail area open to EVERYONE! These deals are awesome for any stage of crafter from novice to advanced. Picking up supplies for a fraction of the price in retail stores, well this allows you to be even more crafty. Oh and then you hear their mission to keep art in schools and communities, along with mentoring those with special needs... well need I say more. If you haven't gone GO, if you have gone before but not in a while GO BACK, if you go every week KEEP GOING... you will be giving towards a bigger better day for the community.
We love Art of Recycle. Our kids really love the craft castle such a great community spot. And I love shopping for project supplies to bring home. But I think my favorite part is the access for teachers for classroom supplies.
My passion is to upcycle items that would normally be thrown away and make them useful again. I have taught a class for high schoolers and Art Of Recycle has been an amazing resource for supplies! I ALWAYS find the what I need. I need things that you cant always find in a art/craft store. I have refered so many people there and always are told how glad they were that I told them!! Love you guys and keep up the good work.
This wonderful place called Art of Recycle is a crafters dream. I am there so often that I am friends with the employees. They are friendly and have a live for their community and what they are doing to help support teachers is great. I don’t go anywhere for my crafting supplies and usual rave with six new idea and the stuff for them each time.
I always love coming up to Art Of Recycle. As a homeschool Mom I love being able to get supplies to do projects. My daughter loves the craft castle and always looks forward to making things when we come.
I love this place. Chelas Montanye and Mr. Nobody are a blessing to the community, and to the schools. They are sharing their dream with others, and helping others with all the programs they have. My oldest daughter volunteered over the summer and it has benefited her this year in school. Thank you Chelas & Mr. Nobody!!
I love this place and this concept. They do something seamlessly that I think non-profits have a hard time doing, which is they’ve combined niches! Pro-environmental stance, helping to keep things out of the landfills while giving their local community, especially children, a way to bring art into their lives for free or at very low cost . The perks they have for teachers (free teacher room) is just another great expansion of what they do. I wish we had one of these in every county in PA.
My family and I love The Art of Recycle! There are so many interesting items and the staff is amazing.
I'm also a teacher, and I am thankful for the free teacher area. I've picked up many interesting and useful art supplies.
My cousin told me about this store and their free teacher supply area. I do the elementary creative arts classes at Chiang Rai International Christian School in Thailand and the budget only comes to about $3 per child for the year. At Art of Recycle I load up on pom poms, cloth and sewing supplies, pipe cleaners, stickers, construction paper, markers, paper flowers, and anything else that inspires an idea to use in an art project. One time I was planning to buy wooden clothes pins for a rocking chair craft...i didn’t need the springs, just the wooden pieces. I checked out AoR before going to the store and here there was a big bag of wooden clothes pins with the springs removed! Exactly what I was looking for!
I’ve also found base 10 blocks and dice for our math teachers and black and red wires for science class...specific things I knew our teachers were looking for.
When I’m crafting and need supplies of any kind, I go to art of recycle to see what I can find! It’s a great place to get a spark of imagination and creativity.
I love Art of Recycle, their store is always filled with amazing finds. The staff are helpful and seem to love being there.
I brought my friend who is a teacher to the store and she was able to use the free teachers area. She found some great items that allowed her to save over fifty dollars of her supply budget.
I’m happy to support them in any way I can. I think what they are doing is wonderful and I wish every area had such an amazing resource.
I love this place! I have gotten tons of supplies for my daughters birthday parties and for their various crafts! I love the wide variety of “stuff” I can find for my own projects too!
I love Art of Recycle! The first moment I went there it was as though someone was thinking the same way as me and made a store based off how I’ve always created. I love to take old and make new...I also love the variety of people that shop here. The staff is always so friendly and they do so much for the community. This is one of my favorite places to come and I never know what I’ll find.
I absolutely love this place. When walking through the front door everything is so magical. I love that they recycle and are so involved with the community. What they do for teachers is so amazing. Thank you so much for giving so much.
We love this place! Always something new every time we go. You have to take your time to search through everything so give yourself at least an hour to par-use! Kids can make a free craft in the coolest craft station ever. My only regret is not having one close to my home in Harrisburg!
This is a wonderful place to bring my children and teach them about reusing/repurposing and reducing waste. In addition to purchasing affordable craft supplies and little goodies, this place gives me a place to let my toddlers play and use their creativity even when it's yucky out.
Went to get some items for our Football Booster club and WOW just wow!
The amount of great items they have....You could spend hours upon hours there!!
Highly recommend any DIY'er to check out Art of Recycle!!
You won't be disappointed!!
The Art of Recycle has been so valuable to me and has open the doors to so many possibilites. I love crafting and creating wreaths but had not done so in many years due to the cost of supplies. Thru the Art of Recycle, I have been able to do many projects for my church and friends. I have also been able to create wreaths which i have sold as fundraisers to send my daughter & others on missions trips. I tell everyone to go there and to donate instead of throwing away, which is another aspect of the business i love - recycling instead of landfills! I have also enjoyed getting to know the owners, employees & volunteers there, they have become friends. But the Art of Recycle is so much more than a store, they help teach art thru classes and have free supplies for teachers. It is a wonderful and has changed my life.
Art of Recycle is one of the best nonprofits I’ve ever been to and worked/volunteered for. The mission here, to get art supplies out to the public at low prices and to teachers for free, ensures that the importance of art isn’t based on the cost, but the creation! This is definitely a light in the community and I wholeheartedly support the mission!
After recently learning that the organization Goodwill is a for-profit business that makes money off of your donations... I sought to find something more local that I knew was actually giving back to our community! I was more than thrilled to find these kind folks and started out as a shopper...more recently I gave a large amt of art supplies and deco before I moved. It felt so good to know it would be utilized! Thanks for all you do!
Art of Recycle is the best. I always stop there first for my crafting needs. I am a teacher and appreciate so much the free resources that they provide. I never know what I’ll find there, it’s always an adventure!
Absolutely the BEST craft resource in Lancaster county. Not only can you find just about anything you need for a project, but also very helpful people if you need a hand. From the Craft Castle to the teacher resource area, this judgement free zone is tops!
We just found this little gem of a store. I would go here over Micheals, Joanne Fabrics, AC Moore or Hobby Lobby. Their mission is such a worthy one. I work with special need children and parents really need an art outlet like this place. For teachers, this is the place to go for loose parts, really for anything. And the basement.....words can’t express enough how much I love this place. I don’t live in the area, but when we come back to town, this will be a definite stop.
Art of Recycle is GREAT!!! I'm an occupational therapist at Intermediate 13 and also have a free mixed ability inclusive leisure program call Forever Friends at the Palmyra Grace Brethren Church. Art of Recycle has enabled me to improve the quality of our crafts. We are able to have wonderful crafts at Forever Friends programs and still keep our program free.
On my first visit to Art of Recycle I was treated to a guided tour, an open discussion about the history of the organization and in depth pointers for starting a similar program of my own. After Mr. Nobody Special (a truly unfitting name for this generous individual) gave me this thorough tour, I shopped and also availed myself of the free teachers resources.
Art of Recycle offers so much to the community, a free children's art activity area, quality art and craft materials at an extreme bargain price, and a huge free teachers resource space. It's a brilliant way to promote art and support the community that it's based in.
Amazing friendly staff great workshops with great experiences all around great place for people who are artistic eccentric and like to be different.
As a therapist and artist, I value the creative process as a means of healing and self exploration. Artistic expression is a means to inner peace, fulfillment and problem solving. Art of Recycle is my "go to" for materials, inspiration and "good energy." Staff, volunteers and workshop leaders are encouraging and positive role models for those entering this magical place. AoR is a much needed model that would be a welcome addition to every community. We are very blessed to have access to this wondrous experience. Keep up the great work!
Art of Recycle
A place Artist in mind and in Spirit, The Classes enspire you no matter who you are ! Five Thumbs Up !
Great Place to Create.
I can use almost any craft idea I might find with the kids in vacation Bible school or other youth groups for very little cost because any materials you could think of are there and the prices are astonishingly low!
Art of Recycle's workshops have allowed my buried creativity to bubble to the surface. I am challenged and loving every minute of time spent creating here. Chelas, Mr. Nobody, and all the volunteers are so friendly and helpful. They give you ideas and encouragement. Several people including myself have been known to say during a workshop, "This is my happy place!" The first workshop I went to in Jan 18, a participant said, "I didn't know I'd been waiting all my life to do this!" I highly recommend Art of Recycle to anyone who wants to explore their creative side. They are a blessing to the community.
This is an incredible organization and destination. I don't know where to begin! I teach and facilitate art education in several ways, and Art of Recycle will not only help me do it in a more ecological, economical, communal, and inspiring way - they'll do all that while growing from our connection and thereby helping more people with every patron they influence. My head was spinning from how sublimely impacting this model of cooperative economy can be.
Love that teachers get free materials for their classrooms. Always enjoy shopping in their store, and the personnel are always friendly and helpful.
I love this charming store & everything it does for the community! Can’t wait to go back! Yes, apparently you can buy happiness! ❤️
I love this place. The owners are creative, forward thinking and have a wonderful vision. The store is full of unique ever -changing products affordable to everyone. The craft castle opens minds to explore your inner creativity. The generosity of the owners has made a huge impact on teachers by giving them free classroom materials. Many businesses could learn valuable lessons from this shop. Spread the word! This place offers a wonderful experience!
There's something uplifting about seeing beauty and being able to make something beautiful with your own hands.
Just visiting this place is therapeutic, and taking part in one of the workshops is exhilarating: the options on the table, the chat with table-mates even though we've never met before; the buzzing of creative minds; the adrenaline rush in seeing your work coming together or the work next to you...
This non-profit also displays a cyclical economic model as it's giving a new life to old objects or making new from old, for pleasure or as a budding small business. AND, it find a place for things we don't see a use for or we discard, but a creative mind can transform into something beautiful.
I had been desiring to do this kind of art for a long time and now I was given the opportunity to do it in one night and end with with a finished product! Wonderful, right?
Bravo, Art of Recycle!!! Standing ovation!!
I had the opportunity to learn about Art of Recycle yesterday thanks to the reference from a kind stranger! For years I have utilized other thrift stores in the area for crafting supplies and have always wished for a place more focused on arts... I cannot believe that I had no idea this hidden treasure existed! No question about it, I plan on becoming a regular patron!
Had a great time making mosiacs. The staff/volunteers were extremely helpful & went above & beyond to make everything perfect. I can't say enough great things about them.
I have been working with this organization for almost a year. My students with special needs have been volunteering and learning many important work skills and experiences. They are truly support our local community and give back so much!
Our students create crafts that are sold at the IU13 Winter and Spring Bazaar. Art of Recycle has given students their supplies for free and has helped to promote their mini business. Monies raised by the students go back to the students to provide them with opportunities many of them may never get to experience otherwise.
Art of Recycle has also done workshops with our students. They continues to share their gifts and creativity each day. They do ALL of this and do not take a paycheck.
God has blessed both Chelas and Nobody with an amazing gift. I personally am very grateful to have them as a part of the Ephrata community!
This place has changed my life! I started as an eager, frequent visitor, applauding the unique variety and organized quality items and a multitude of materials. I now volunteer and help instruct workshops, what a way to give back to the community and fuel my artistic endeavors. Teaching children and adults alike useful skills at the same time!
When I am looking for the different craft item.. need to ask questions about how to do something, this is the place I go! Great variety of craft items at a great price!
Art of Recycle is a very special place in Ephrata. Our go to place first when we need anything to do with creating. One never knows what you will find there. Very organized. Very fun...did you know they can host Birthday Parties! Truly a treasure! Chelas and Mr. Nobody have such a passion to serve the comuunity well. They are extememly accommodating, talented, kind and giving.
A creative environment for each and every person who walks through their door. Not only the best place in the county for supplies, but also truly helpful and knowledgeable people to assist in any project!
I absolutely love this store, mission, staff and the classes that are offered. The staff is helpful in the classes during the time of need. I have been to the new location several times and never walk out empty handed. I am super excited about the new location and eager to attend more classes when time permits. They really have educated me that things can be reused/recycled.
The creative energy that surrounds this non profit , is like no other ! The owners are passionate , community oriented people that are top notch artists with endless energy!
Outstanding! Such a wonderful store. Product is beautifully displayed and the layout of the store invites you to linger. The profits go to support art in the community. Win win all the way around
My absolute favorite place in Ephrata. My 3 year old has a blast and stays so focused on what she's doing and mommy can get her closet craft hoarding all done at the same place. And we definitely can't leave before she gets to put on a puppet show for me. (: great people, great atmosphere, great fun.
I stumbled across Art of Recycles fb page one day. It looked fabulous and I just so happened to wonder over to ephrata every now and again to see a friend. I was amazed when I walked in at the amount of materials. I'm still amazed every time I stop in. I utilize it as a place to purchase craft materials... And I've yet to not find what I was looking for. Visiting Art of Recycle helped me complete 2 of my biggest tasks. I was able to construct a wedding album for less then $10 and practically complete my crochet hook collection for less then $5. I easily had $100 worth of materials between the two.
I can easily get lost for hours here, and I didn't even check out any of the classes there offer!! I've followed along online and seen pictures of all the wonderful art created. Hopefully soon I'll get a chance to join in. I can't imagine I'd be disappointed.
This is a place for creating, exploring talents and hobbies, making new friends, entertainment, aiding and bringing members of the community and so so so much more. This is a place any creative mind should definitely check out!
I always leave happy...whether I spend .50 or $15. I always find the perfect things for my projects. Everyone is so helpful and knowledgeable. Love it!!! I bring all my friends and family here when they visit.
Excellent group of people and mission for children young and old to be as creative as their minds allow.
The town of Ephrata has a long history of providing venues in which to recycle. The area is rich in businesses that have encouraged people to recycle/reuse items; furniture and clothing being most prominent. Art of Recycle has found another way to encourage people to use items that may have otherwise added to our area landfills. They use art to fulfill that goal. They are a valued member of Ephrata's community. Please visit them to see how they can help to enrich your life.
artofrecycle 07/18/2016
Thank you for your support. :) We appreciate you taking time to leave a review for us.
I remember when Art of Recycle first opened up. I had just discovered the concept of creative reuse, and was happy to know that there was such a place in my area! I attended a workshop where we made kaleidoscopes (I still have mine!). I have donated a lot of stuff to them since, which was happily taken, and I've bought a lot of cool yarn there, too. A passion for creativity, a welcoming attitude, and a community spirit is always prevalent at Art of Recycle.
artofrecycle 07/18/2016
Thank you Jennifer. Because of donations from community members like you we continue to thrive. Thank you for your continued support.
Awesome place and people!! Great finds for DIYers and crafters with unbelievable pricing and selection! And it's all the better that the money I spend goes back into the community in such a creative and positive way!! Chelas and Mr. Nobody Special are indeed special!
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Art of Recycle is an amazing place with dedicated, hardworking, and caring owners who help there community by providing a space to express yourself in creative ways. I worked as an intern for Chelas and Mr. Nobody for a little while. This is truly a magical place to create your hearts desire. I learned a lot about the small community while I was here and I also really found a calling to challenge myself as an artist. Everyday Chelas and Nobody push themselves to create an amazing place where people can come together and feel that they are a part of a community. I have witnessed them create a space for teenagers and young adults to come hang in a safe environment within a matter of weeks. They truly inspire me to continue to create art and they've also inspired me to open my own art business and I want to thank them for that. I also hope just as they inspire me but they will inspire other artists and community members as well. You guys are the best! With love-Lianna
Art of recycle is a wonderful resource and beautiful Community Arts Center. They have engaged the community and created a safe space for children and adults alike to explore their creative side. They are ever-present other community events, delighting families with balloon art and face painting that has no rival. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful local resource. Thank you!
I absolutely love this craft center. Mr Special, Chelas and their volunteers are so welcoming and helpful. I have taken three of their classes this summer. They were all so much fun and I came home at the end of the evening with a finished project! They are now my favorite charity for donations. I LOVE how they Recycle things that would normally end up in a landfill.
This place is a must-visit for people who love to create. I don't live in the area, but I stop there whenever I'm nearby. I always find some neat picture frames and signs. I love that supplies of all kinds which might otherwise be thrown away are available at very low prices. It's inspiring to see art that they have created around the store, and at the same time know that reusing these items is helping to keep our planet habitable. Even the receipts are inspiring!
We were only at AoR once and my 3 1/2 year old LOVED it!!! We will definitely be going again!!! And I always keep a close eye on my child, I never assume the staff needs to babysit while I shop. Some people run all over people. Sad.
Love, love, love Art of Recycle! My Grandchildren go there whenever they visit and love it. The staff is so friendly and helpful! We have been restoring a 1936 home in Ephrata and always find what we need, if we can't find it...the staff will search their inventory for what we need. Bravo to Art of Recycle for providing this place for children to go and express their creavitiy in a safe, friendly environment and for saving many treasures from the trash!
My son got married in June and wanted a "wish in a bottle" table at the wedding due to the fact that it was a beach wedding theme. We were able to find so much more than we needed so reasonably priced at Art of Recycle that we created an entire table of "Wish in a Bottle" with basket, shells, an old sailor, old bottles and candles with melted wax, even a ship. What a wonderful place. It inspires the child in each of us to come out and play.
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I love the Art of Recycle and visit often. Everyone I have brought with me to visit gets encouraged to get there creative juices going and always find something they have to take home. I am looking forward to moving across the street in Oct. and helping out with the sewing and creating. Fantastic place for KIDS of all ages to be creative. See you there.
Art of Recycle is one of the most magical places there is. My son and I have been going there for 2 years and love it. It is an awesome place to volunteer and be. Being at Art of Recycle is therapy to me and being apart of it's operation and success makes my heart smile. There are so many people that benefit from Art of Recycle being in business. My son is 5 years old and loves making finger puppets, playing in the puppet theater and also volunteers. He has also met and plays with some the other kids that frequent Art of Recycle. We have made some great friends from being at Art of Recycle including Chelas, Mr. Nobody Special, Phoenix and many more. Thank you for all you do for our community and may Art of Recycle flourish!
We love Art of Recycle. My daughters ( ages 10 &10) and I can spend hours making fun projects at Ephrata's Art of Recycle. We have become a more "crafty" family. It is a great way to spend time with my girls, away from electronics. Miss Chelas and Mr. Nobody Special are so friendly!
I have been a customer at the store and also have hired Chelas and Mr Nobody Special twice for private parties. They are the most caring and kind indiduals. And are so great and patient with children. I have referred them to others and everybody who has had them for parties raves about how great they are. The store is a awesome place to find all kinds of unique treasures for all your crafty needs. I am so glad I have AOR in my town and that Chelas and Mr Nobody are here too. They are super talented and very kind. Keep up the great work guys.
I first heard about Art of Recycle at an event where they provided face painting and Balloon creations. Very warm and welcoming folks! And their store is no different...when you walk in, you're family! Love it love it love it!!
Chelas and Mr. Nobody are the most giving people I have ever met. Their shop is a wonderful place for kids to come to after school and create. They are happy to help others create and make amazing things. They have such unusual items for sale at such reasonable prices. They work so hard at this art and give it their all. Chelas is a very gifted and accomplished painter. Her work is amazing. Mr. Nobody has so many talents. It is always such a joy to come visit them. They are the best at what they do. They are so selfless. They work so diligently to make our community a better place to live in.
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Art of Recycle provides so many services and support to our community. Where do I start? They offer a safe place for kids to come after school to create.....they offer fantastic buys of varied items for crafters, artists and anyone looking for neat things. And best of all they help Mother Earth by providing a home for things no longer cherished by the former owners and save them from finding a final unhappy home at a landfill or incinerator.
Art of Recycle is an absolute, must experience. If you lack in artistic ability, like myself, you are in good hands. Chelas and Nobody have helped me on so many projects. From costumes to framing artwork to learning how to sew, they are always there to help!! I had some ideas and thoughts about projects, and Chelas and Nobody just made them happen. Chelas and Nobody have very big hearts. Their desire to serve the community has made a lasting impression on my family. We will always be a part of Art of Recycle!!! WE love you guys!!! Heidi, Aliyah, Sophia & Isabella
Thank you! Thank you, Chelas and Nobody, for your creativity and dedication to make the world a better place on sooo many levels! It was good to reconnect with you today. There is no other place on earth as this... I hope all of YOUR wishes come true because you are making others come true in ways all of us could have never dreamed possible.
Melissa Hand, Buyer
Ten Thousand Villages
This place is amazing! They have everything you can imagine. I had recently visited the area an decided to check this place out. They have an arts and craft area for kids in store which is great. I came out with some much stuff! (Really inexpensive too!) Being an artist I will be back for more! Great place for both adults and children!
Art of Recycle is a magical place, where kids and adults alike can unwind and let their creative energies flow!
Inside is the "Craft Castle," a crafting area where kids can craft for free with materials provided for them. Most of the kids make finger puppets and then put on a puppet show together, with the help of Mr. Special at the puppet stage!
The thrifty craft store in the front half of the building is my favorite to meander in. The set-up is whimsical, and the crafting goodies are cheap and abundant! It is truly a crafter's paradise. Need project inspiration and help? Art of Recycle has reference books for you to flip through, and even comfortable chairs and hot tea for you to settle down with while you're flipping through the pages and developing ideas.
They also host workshops for the community to learn different art forms and crafts, and overall just have fun.
I am absolutely supportive of this place. It's a very cozy, playful atmosphere, run by good people.
It's the place where wishes come true! (No really, make a wish in the wishing tree and chances are the fairies will grant it!)
I can't overemphasize how much Art of Recycle benefits our community. Through their community outreach programs and their onsite facilities (crafting table, workshops, discount craft supply store, etc.) they provide a positive, safe and creative environment for everyone in the Ephrata area, young and old. Also, they are a wealth of knowledge and extremely helpful when you stop in seeking advice on a home project. In addition, they are becoming a focal point for other area non-profits and those interested in the arts to meet, brainstorm and plan events and programs.
On a personal note, my thirteen year old son and his friends frequently visit Art of Recycle and he is always excited to tell about what is happening there. Although he claims he is not creative, he often comes home with something cool that he has made. Whenever I visit, there are always happy children busily making things at the crafting table.
Chelas has created a lovely place full of imagination and life.... You can donate supplies, or pick up what you need and start creating your masterpiece!
The Art of Recycle quickly became one, if not The, favorite place of mine in town. The staff is energetic and inspiring all on their own, but the facility speaks creativity with one glimpse. What a boon to the community to have not just a gathering place, creative outlet, recycling center and thrift store all in one! As a professional artist, this will certainly be on my list of go-to places for both inspiration and interesting materials. Further, my respect for this organization has only deepened from seeing their outreach in the community by being involved in fairs and art shows not only in our town proper but also in other areas of our county.
a fantastic place run by fantastic people. Every city should have 2 people as caring as Mr. Nobody and Chelas and also have a place as great as Art of Recycle.
From Chelas' body painting, to Nobody's puppet theater, these folks are so professional! Kids of all ages are grinning ear to ear when they visit Art of Recycle - there's a new fun thing in every corner.
Art, art, art! shrieks, survives and flourishes at Art of Recycle.
I have watched it evolve over the years and it just keeps getting better - - way to go, y'all!
Art of Recycle brings a unique arts influence to Ephrata that has been missing since at least I was in school. Now an art student at a local university, I am thrilled to see the art supplies as well as odds & ends AOR carries that can be used for my projects or for fun.
Art of Recycle is engaged in the community as well. I run into them at almost every local event, as well as in Lancaster city as well! They are passionate about bringing an arts culture to the local community--young & old alike!
Plus, Josh & Chelas are a lovely duo & always make me smile!
How much do I love The Art of Recycle?.....let me count the ways
Makes me feel welcome and at home
Gives me that child's feeling of finding a treasure
Is filled with fun stuff to look at, touch and use
All ideas are ok
There is no wrong way to do things
Freedom to create
No question is too silly
I know this place will change the lives of all who enter
It is a safe place
It is a nurturing place
I can get the things I need without spending much
All children are accepted and can express themselves creatively
Children will learn things they never knew about themselves
I have a place to take my stuff and know someone will benefit
My thoughts about our earth and recycling are changing
I now have a box to collect things I come across to take there next time
The building looks so beautiful enhancing the community with murals
colorful flowers in clever containers built with discarded materials
The encouragement that I can do it too
You are never too old....this place welcomes the child...even if you are 66
I just happen to use the public parking lot in while in Ephrata and was pleasantly surprised to find Art of Recycle. I was first attracted by the Craft Castle bunting outside and then further intrigued by the upcycled furniture at the back door. Upon entering, I was overwhelmed with a recycler's paradise of collected, usable materials. Though I was not currently on the hunt for wooden frames, furniture posts or hundreds of other small parts, I was able to find some fabric that I "needed" and was able to purchase for a very low price.
It is satisfying to observe that children have a place to go that embraces their natural curiosity to wonder and therefore discover through the use of their hands, imagination, and found materials. As an educator, I see a decline in self-made exploration in a world of technology and immediate stimulation. Knowing that children can discover a process to satisfaction by seeing a process of creativity keeps me in hopes of well rounded future adults.
Thank you, Art of Recycle for being part of a better world through upcycling.
I took my 3 girlies in to check it out and wound up staying for 4 hours! I think I was the one who complained about time to go the most! We LOVED being "allowed" to think outside the box and just enjoy being creative!!! The puppet theater was a huge hit with the kiddos, and I believe before the summers over we will have a whole army of finger puppets! (So far we've off to a good start!) I am in love with the tree on the puppet stage and dream of having one just like it in our basement! We of course could not leave with out picking up a few extra supplies before heading home! If ever my tree house dream becomes a reality, I know just the place to pick up supplies!
I can think of no better place to go and imagine what is possible, and then realize the dream than the Art of Recycle. I recently had a prop to make for a performance and took the basic parts there to assemble and paint because I don't have room in my apartment. The owners were really helpful and generous, and while I was there I was inspired by some LED lights that I ended up buying and adding to the prop. I took an upholstery workshop and learned how to re-cover a footstool that belonged to my great-grandmother. I never would have considered trying to fix it on my own, so the offer of the workshop was just what I needed, and I learned so much. We've stopped in and played in the craft castle to make finger puppets and use the puppet theatre, or just to browse and get inspired. The owners are always friendly, helpful, and are always up to something incredible - making a dragon, creating a giant kaleidoscope, or painting a series of tiny doors that will be for fairy houses. This is a safe, happy, and inspiring space for the dreamer and creator in all of us.
I'm so glad to have stumbled upon the magical place that is Art of Recycle! They've got a great, big selection of the most random trinkets and crafting materials that are extremely affordable for even the most starving artist. Just walking around the store was giving me ideas for future projects- and the fact that you can use the space to actually work is FANTASTIC. Art of Recycle made me feel hopeful for our small town creative community, and I can't wait to go back.
Art of recycle is an amazing place for adults as well as children. You can find odds and ends craft supplies that you can't find anywhere else. The craft castle is an amazing place for everyone. My daughter, niece and nephews love going there. They are always asking if it's open so they can go. The craft castle has so many craft supplies that the opportunities are endless. The kids always come home with something different. It is a place where their imagination can run wild. The staff are always so helpful with creating ideas and helping get the project started. They offer classes for different projects and we are looking forward to attending some of them.
My husband and I had a wonderful time painting during an evening of guided meditation-inspired painting. The cost was a donation and we brought our own small canvasses. Our fellow participants and all of the Art of Recycle folks were encouraging and friendly.
I decided to check out the Mosaic workshop at Art of Recycle, the donation was $10.00, which was way affordable. When I got there, I was greeted with a warm welcome from Mr. Nobody Special. Chelas who is the group organizer was very knowledgeable regarding this craft and gave easy to understand instructions. And all of the supplies were provided. I was nervous and have been in the creative closet a long time. "I asked Chelas if I was doing the project Right and she said "There is no wrong way to do art" . After that comment I felt like "Yeah" and I got busy, an idea popped into my head and I ran with it. Not only did I learn a new craft, but i took home the most amazing mosaic art. And they found a frame and cut it and attached it to my masterpiece. They went out of their way to make my experience not just an experience. My expectations were over exceeded. I can't wait to go back to learn other art forms.
The space is user friendly not only for adults but for kids too! I felt right at home.
Thank You Art of Recycle for providing a Art Freeing time for me. Since I have attended this class, I have begun to do mosaics on my own, which i would never have attempted without the support of this Non Profit.
LOVE Art of Recycle! Great atmosphere with a feeling of home, but with more STUFF! At home I have garbage can, recycling bin, and a bag for Art of Recycle - because there are some things that SOMEONE can use for a craft, even if its not me.
The Art of Recycle is an amazing place to visit! They make you feel like you are part of the family. It's a great place to take your kids when they are feeling antsy and its too hot to hit the park.
Thank you for having such an amazing place to bring the kids!
Art of Recycle is "The Coolest" idea EVER!!! There are so many fun things to poke through!! It is a fantastic place to get your creative ideas in overdrive!! The areas for kids to play and create is just so great!! The owners are friendly and fun and very helpful!! If you have never been there...GO NOW!!! HURRY UP!!! :) YOU WILL LOVE IT!!
Art of Recycle is a great idea to turn today's lost treasures into tomorrow's aesthetic and creative dreams! The staff is super friendly and the set up is full of energy and innovation! I've never seen a place so festive and so unique. Affordable prices and integrative workshops are the first of things you may find, but with time, friendship is inevitable -- Not only with the staff, but with your guests as well! I made a wish, progressed toward finger puppets and then even had a short, fun, and improvised theater production. Wish I lived closer -- I miss this place!!
This place is amazing...no, it's whatever is beyond amazing. I thought it was geared toward kids, but any person who enjoys being creative can find a way to express their creativity through this shop. To visit this shop is truly a unique experience. You can purchase a huge variety of craft supplies, you can create your projects on the spot, you can learn a new craft, and you can let your children's imaginations run wild as they create their own unique pieces of art and put on the cutest puppet shows. Mr. Special and Chelas really help to inspire visitors to tap into their own creativity and find ways of expressing themselves. I would highly recommend anyone who has a creative spirit to stop into Art of Recycle.
A fun, creative space with the purpose of building community through art. The Art of Recycle has space for creating art objects for everyone...young to old. The only requirement is that you use your imagination (although donations are appreciated). Chelas and Mr. Nobody Special are the creative force behind this community art center and they are there to help you with your projects, and inspire you.
The Art of Recycle is many, many things! It is a community center. It is a place where you can learn to make arts and crafts. It is an art gallery. It is also a place where you can buy inexpensive items you might use for a project you were making or something to decorate your home.
The owners built a castle inside their building where children and parents can work on art projects. And you can also browse other parts of the store for items of purchase. They also have a Faerie wishing tree where children can make a wish and the faeries grant some of them.
There is a full sized puppet stage in the store as well!
This store (it's more of an experience) is one of kind! Chelas and Mr. Nobody are delightful people and quite obviously devoted to the art of recycle...both the store itself and the concept. I recommend this place and these people to EVERYONE ON THE PLANET!!
A community center that gives kids a fun, creative and safe place to hang out. A way to use our discarded wares to create amazing works of art. A meeting place for Artists, Poets, Painters, Fairy Aficionados. Art of Recycle is THE BEST.
My 8 year old son and I frequent the workshops and activities they offer (most free or for a small fee) and create masterpieces out of recycled materials. Fairy wings, paintings, Easter eggs, etc. Chelas & Mr. Special are always helpful, willing to lend a hand in any way they can to bring forth our creativity!
This past April my son had his birthday party at Art of Recycle. Despite my guests and I showing up 2 hours early (due to a mistake on my part!), it was a HUGH success. The whole situation was handled so professionally and artfully and everyone had a great time. The theme was Robots and every child at the party made their very own robot. It was so awesome to watch (and help) all the kids use their imaginations to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Chelas painted masterpieces of her own in the the form of dragons, basketballs, ponies and kitties on the children's arms and Mr. Special's balloon aliens were a BIG hit!
Thank You Art of Recycle!!!
Art of Recycle is the most amazing place to go and visit. They always have something new that the children are working on. Or you might see something out of the ordinary that they are working on. They have lots of things for you to purchase if you want to make something yourself and at very reasonable prices. Both Chelas and Mr. Nobody are friendly and you can spend and hour there and not even realize how fast time as gone by.
I love Art of Recycle because whenever I go there, there is always something new to look at or purchase. If I have an art project that I'm working on, I go straight to art of recycle for cheap but reliable things. I love the owners and they are super friendly!!
The crew over at Art of Recycle are fantastic. They have so much to offer and their craft area is unbeatable. Chelas and Mr. Special are wonderfully helpful with all their workshops, and helping out with any projects you need.
And with so many donations coming in weekly, you never know what will be there for you to use on your craft projects.
I absolutely love going up there, and everytime I go it gives me hope that there are so many more people out there with such good hearts than I ever imagined.
If you wanted to take Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium and bring it closer to reality, this would be the place. The people that run it have self funded from the start, and love the work they do, and find exciting ways to have people excited about the possibilities that can come true. They have made their own luck and are well respected throughout the greater community. Whenever I have a arts project I want to work on they are always there with the supply and artistic help to complete the project. While I am older it is a wonderful place for kids to explore their own artistic endeavors, and enjoy a puppet show with hand made puppets and a magical wishing tree.
The Art of Recycle is a magical place. Whether you are there to make a wish at the Fairy Tree, learn practical skills to make your life more beautiful, or just to make art, the owners will greet you with warm smiles and open arms. They have created a space that lives and breathes with the community. They provide classes, entertainment and and a fun atmosphere for people to shake of the monotony of everyday life and re-discover their vibrant and creative selves. I've never seen a place like this before, and I'm from NYC where you can get anything, anytime. At AOR, it's not about sales, it's about the heart of a communitiy creating together, and all you have to do to become a part of it, is show up.
Art of Recycle has been an amazing place for my children and I to spend some quality time together. Chelas and Mr Nobody have gone above and beyond to help my children get in touch with their creative side. We have gone there a number of times and usually walk in with me telling my kids they have 1 hour and we end up staying for 2 or more hours because we get so into creating and enjoying the Craft Castle which is a fully free area that is LOADED with art supplies for all to use. I would, and have, recommend(ed) Art of Recycle to anyone and everyone, with or without children.
Also if you do not have time to stay there and create things or work on projects they have a "store" in the back of the building where you can buy literally anything and almost everything for crafting. They have game pieces from old games, random hardware items that are smaller, and various other items that could be useful without crafting. And the best part is it is all super inexpensive.
Art of Recycle also does classes on various things from creating journals to reupholstering furniture to drawing classes. I have not taken classes yet but I look forward to it in the near future.