In the heart of New York City, there’s a unique spot where you can secure a medium-sized pad of Yupo paper, an untouched set of Sennelier oil sticks, ample embroidery floss, and a varied encaustic paint set for less than $20. This haven, known as Brooklyn Creative Reuse (BCR), has recently opened its doors in Industry City. Founded by jeweler and reuse advocate Stephanie O’Brien, BCR started as a pop-up venture in February 2025, aiming to redirect used art materials from landfills by offering them at affordable prices.
Earlier this month, BCR launched its permanent location in Building 2, stepping in to fill the void left by Artist and Craftsman, which closed on April 12. To mark the occasion, BCR held a launch event on April 18, inviting the community to explore and purchase from its collection of donated, gently-used art supplies. Organized by art category, these materials are sold by weight, making them accessible to artists with limited budgets, educators, and those eager to experiment with new artistic mediums without significant expense.
Positioned in a leading art metropolis, BCR boasts an impressive range of supplies, from classroom basics to top-tier materials. O’Brien shared with Hyperallergic that their pricing model accelerates the movement of products to the sales floor, especially as they receive up to 300 pounds of material monthly—a number expected to rise with their new location. In its first operational year, BCR successfully diverted over 1,000 pounds of supplies from landfills. O’Brien emphasized that this approach keeps costs low, encouraging sustainable art practices.
During the launch event, the space was bustling with visitors, many of whom contributed donations, while others eagerly browsed the available items, leaving with treasures such as yarn, sketchbooks, and even a sewing machine. BCR plans to expand its workshops, collaborating with artists who focus on creative reuse. Past sessions have included creating wearables from upcycled materials and transforming disposables into functional or decorative items.
O’Brien highlighted their mission to offer fair compensation to artists through teaching roles, allowing them to set their own fees and ticket prices. They encourage sliding scale pricing and ensure several free workshops each month. Brooklyn Creative Reuse welcomes both donors and buyers from Wednesday to Sunday.
