If you still get excited when a package contains bubble wrap, you know you're never too old to turn trash into entertainment. Staying in Durham this fall break? Recess recommends you get in touch with your old, bubble-popping, creative self for little or no cost.
Although found objects around campus can be prime compenents of a future masterpiece (decoupage a cinderblock with last week's Recess to create a perfect doorstop), places like the Scrap Exchange and the Building Supply Recycling Center have done the rummaging for you.
Durham's Scrap Exchange collects and sells clean and safe industrial discards from more then 250 local companies to promote the use of creative scrap materials for art while also reducing waste in the Durham area. Their wares include odds and ends like plastic foams, ceramic tiles, clean paper, ribbon, baskets, picture frames--the list goes on. For the child at heart or artist in practice, visiting the site is like being a kid in a candy store.
The Scrap Exchange's Reuse Center sells supplies by volume at $7.50 per grocery bag. There's no need to scoff: You'd be suprised how much artistically valuable junk you can stuff into a grocery bag.
For the artistic soul more interested in two-dimensional creations, the Building Supply Recycling Center in Durham distributes half-full cans of paint for free. If you're searching for a specific odd or end for your project, www.ncwastetrader.org can connect you with any one of many surplus suppliers online. Together, you'll lower the Visa bill for art supplies and help Durham residents and businesses reduce solid waste.
The Scrap Exchange is located at 548 Foster St. (919) 688-6960 ext. 548
The Building Supply Recycling Center is at the corner of Roxboro St. and Pettigrew St. (919) 490-0414
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.