Author Archives: Kat Moulton
February Volunteer Spotlight: Eleanor Schorre
Photo Credit: Lisa Hause Photography
What motivates you to volunteer?
I’ve always enjoyed the community that is built around a volunteer organization. A place created by so much giving – of time, appreciation, care, and of course donations – is rarely a bad place to be.
Why ACR?
A thrift-type store for craft supplies?! I was hooked as a shopper immediately. After shopping for a bit, I noticed that there might be some need for organizing help, which is something I love to do!
How long have you volunteered with ACR?
I started volunteering in early 2019, so just over a year.
Are you more into the arts aspect of ACR or the conservation aspect and why?
I came in primarily for the arts aspect, though I’ve always enjoyed finding reuse through art and creativity. I grew up surrounded by artists and creatives of all sorts and I’d gotten out of the creative mindset somewhat because life happens. Through ACR I’ve found that spirit again, as well as a newfound appreciation for conservation and reuse beyond the usual recycling programs.
Where else have/do you volunteer?
I currently don’t volunteer anywhere else but I spent a lot of time in college volunteering for Autism Speaks.
What do you enjoy the most out of volunteering at ACR?
Sorting and organizing mainly – seeing all the donations that come in also exposes me to so many things I’ve never seen before and allows me to learn about new types of craft and new uses for ordinary things.
Do you have any interesting or funny stories about something that happened while you were volunteering at ACR?
I started volunteering shortly after I got engaged. Many things I found at ACR showed up as decorations at our wedding, most importantly the majority of the ribbon for our 5’ by 7’ ceremony backdrop. A lot of the things we used either have been or will be re-donated, but I’m keeping that backdrop!
Thank you, Eleanor, for all that you do to help Austin Creative Reuse continue to grow! Interested in joining our volunteer community? Visit the Get Involved section of our website today!
Loose Parts Play
Loose Parts offers children the chance to explore and learn using objects that they would likely come across in their own environments. It is also an easy way to introduce the concept of reuse into your classroom!
February Artist Spotlight: Verónica Vivanco
Verónica Vivanco
When I was a child, I learned to crochet and tatting, and at 12 years old I was taught how to sew at school.
What is your preferred medium?
Fabrics and threads.
What drives your creative spirit these days?
The movies, music, other artists, and my daughters. I like that my daughters see me creating things, they learn and have a good example from me.
How does reuse play a part in your art?
For me it is very fun to make my designs with unusual materials, I like to experiment on different materials and create new things.
What compels you to donate to ACR?
ACR is one of my favorite stores, I always find something that I like.
Do you have a favorite ACR find? What did you do with it?
I have, several: a papel picado samples album: (I used it to make the base of the dress, inspired by the movie Coco), paintings, paper mache skulls, Coca Cola bottle tops, and light cables. I found some coffee bean bags and removed the threads, painted them, and knit a dress inspired by Spiderman.
Where can we find out more about your art?
Facebook: Verónica Vivanco
![9th Annual Trash Makeover Challenge fashion show and silent auction benefitting Texas Campaign for the Environment was held at the Texas Federation of Womens Club on September 14, 2019 in Austin, Texas - [Scott Moore/Austin360]](https://www.austincreativereuse.org/wp-content/gallery/february-artist-spotlight-veronica-vivanco/Trash-Makeover-2019-26-yo-paulina-y-norma.jpg "9th Annual Trash Makeover Challenge fashion show and silent auction benefitting Texas Campaign for the Environment was held at the Texas Federation of Womens Club on September 14, 2019 in Austin, Texas - [Scott Moore/Austin360]")
![9th Annual Trash Makeover Challenge fashion show and silent auction benefitting Texas Campaign for the Environment was held at the Texas Federation of Womens Club on September 14, 2019 in Austin, Texas - [Scott Moore/Austin360]](https://www.austincreativereuse.org/wp-content/gallery/february-artist-spotlight-veronica-vivanco/Trash-Makeover-2019-63-pau-pasarela.jpg "9th Annual Trash Makeover Challenge fashion show and silent auction benefitting Texas Campaign for the Environment was held at the Texas Federation of Womens Club on September 14, 2019 in Austin, Texas - [Scott Moore/Austin360]")