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July Artist Spotlight: Lys Santamaria
How has your art adapted during the age of coronavirus?
During coronavirus, I began making and selling masks. I was inspired to pivot my business as all of my sources for income had ended. I wanted two things: to continue creating and to serve my community using my talents. Mask making was the answer. During that time, I was donating a small number of masks to people in need but I wanted to do more. So, I embarked on a BIG project of making 400 masks to donate to Austin’s underserved communities.
What inspired you to embark on such an ambitious mask-making project?
The pandemic was really difficult for me as a small business owner and I went through a lot of tough times and emotions. I knew I had to change and keep creating to keep myself and my business afloat. Once I started selling masks, I saw that there was a real need and wondered how I could serve those who could not afford masks. Thanks to my friends at ACR and a grant from NEST Artisan Guild, I was able to embark on this mask-making project and create change for so many people in need who may not be able to afford reusable masks or do not have access. My business mission is to create joy using my gifts and this project aligns perfectly with my goals.
Where can we find out more about your art?
My shop and information are at: www.LysSantamaria.com or on Instagram @lys.artist
Make a Rainbow Catcher
This simple, repurposed frame is now a superstar rainbow catcher! See how to make it in just a few steps:
Make a Thread Spool Shelf
Check out this simple craft tutorial by one our staff members, Lori! Save those empty thread spools and combine them with a few basic materials to create this adorable, hanging shelf!
June Reuse and Rethink Contest: Rube Goldberg Machines
This month, we challenge you to use reused items in your home to create a Rube Goldberg machine! Named after a famous American cartoonist, a Rube Goldberg machine is a machine intentionally designed to perform a simple task in an indirect and overly complicated way. Create a series of simple objects that perform an action, triggering the next action, ultimately resulting in a singular goal. Please see the video below for an example!
DEADLINE
June 30th, 2020
HOW IT WORKS
– Materials must be reused
– You MUST incorporate a ladle and toilet or paper towel roll in your machine (so we know you made the video!)
– The submissions will be judged on three qualities: creativity, use of reused materials, and functionality of the machine
– Videos can be no longer than 3 minutes
– Submissions must be made on or before the deadline
PRIZE
A free bucket voucher from ACR and a $5 gift card
SUBMISSIONS
Please send a video of your machine, your contact info, and a short description of materials used to rethink@austincreativereuse.org. Winner will be notified and announced on social media!
June Volunteer Spotlight: Charlene Ansley
Charlene, right
Welcome, Calder!
Austin Creative Reuse is thrilled to welcome Calder Kamin as our newest board member! Calder will be helping us develop strategic partnerships and on special projects. She has jumped right in by supporting our social media and marketing strategies, and advising us on online sales. Calder has been a long time supporter of ACR and a frequent shopper, sourcing materials for her latest artworks. Her work was recently featured on MSN.
Artist, educator and advocate, Calder Kamin transforms trash into beautifully crafted creatures and opportunities to reeducate our cultural perceptions of waste. She’s engaged hundreds of museum visitors through her public workshops and art projects including the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The American Museum of Natural History. The i.d.e.a Museum, Utah MOCA, The Contemporary Austin, Women & Their Work and The DoSeum. Kamin starred in an episode of the PBS series Arts In Context and two Disney Channel commercials sharing inspirational messages about creative reuse. She has a background in art administration, higher education and city government providing professional development for artists. A native of Austin, Kamin is the Career Services Manager and Lecturer at the University of Texas, College of Fine Arts. She holds a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute.
She can be contacted at calder@austincreativereuse.org
ACR Donates Mask Materials
Despite the center being closed over the past two months, ACR proudly supported efforts to make masks for healthcare workers, the elderly, and other vulnerable members of the community. We donated enough fabric and supplies to make over 1,500 masks, with a retail value of nearly $500! Thank you to Dell Medical School – UT Austin, Covid Rangers, SAIVA, and all the individuals who picked up materials and volunteered their time. We appreciate your work to keep our community healthy!
Reuse and Rethink: Austin Landmarks Edition!
Deadline for submissions: April 30th
While we are all physically distancing at home, we’re bringing back an ACR classic – the Reuse & Rethink Challenge! This month, we challenge you to recreate your favorite Austin mural or landmark from any items (or people) you have in your home.
Guidelines:
♻️ All materials must be reused / found in your home.
🎨 The submissions will be judged on three qualities: creativity, workmanship, & use of other reused materials.
⏰ Submissions for the month must be made on or before the deadline.
Submit your work for the opportunity to win a $10 gift card to enjoy at ACR when we reopen!
Please provide up to 2 photos of your art piece, your contact info and a short description of materials used. Your submission can be emailed to rethink@austincreativereuse.org. Winner will be notified and announced on social media! 🧡♻️✨
