A Victoria-based society is giving used art office and school supplies a new lease on life.
For just over two years, Supply Victoria has diverted art materials from landfills with creative solutions.
“Also referred to as upcycling, just breathing new life into old materials,” says its founder and lead instructor, Ashley Howe.
Howe brought the idea to Victoria from her hometown of Portland, Ore. In the U.S. redistribution and rebuilding, non-profits are more prevalent, but the idea has still taken off on the Island.
It’s allowing Howe to showcase her love of recycling.
“I’m really passionate about climate activism and fighting climate change and trying to create a more inclusive and creative and sustainable Victoria,” says Howe, adding. “This is just a really hands-on and fun way to make an impact.”
Royal Athletic Park provided the perfect setting for the society’s first meeting since the pandemic began.
“We haven’t been able to meet in person for a long time. Since COVID hit we pivoted to do online workshops but nothing beats being able to meet in person and connect human to human,” says Howe.
From old magazines to plants needing some TLC, the socially distanced crowds came and left with their own recycled creations.
“It’s ready to go on my picnic table at home,” beams Georgia Johnston as she holds her flowerpot and plant.
“I made this super cool little book and the outside is a recycled file folder and then on the inside are these little paint chips,” says Katherine Waite, who also brought along an old fashion magazine and a map of Vancouver Island to make a collage.
To learn more about Supply Victoria, visit supplyvictoria.ca.
Cole Sorenson
