Shared Palette Project

About Shared Palette Project

At Drawing Etc. Art Supplies & Creative Space, we’re fostering creativity and sustainability by making art accessible to all. With your help, we aim to reduce waste, empower artists and students, and ensure resources reach those who need them most. This nonprofit initiative ensures accessibility—some may pay more, others less, and some may access materials for free, depending on their circumstances. As artists, we know the value of these materials and pledge to use them responsibly and creatively.

We often come across unwanted supplies—scraps of paper, leftover paints, old brushes, and other materials. Through this project, we hope to give these items a second life, reducing waste while providing meaningful support to the arts community.

Previously, our store supported students through generous customer donations and surplus supplies when we were located near college zones. These quiet efforts reflected our commitment to accessible art. After relocating, we saw the ongoing need for affordable supplies and formalized these efforts into the Shared Palette Project, focusing on sustainability and community support.

• Pay-What-You-Can Model: Donated materials are available under a PWYC system, ensuring everyone can access them.
• Redirecting Materials: Donations are sorted and offered in-store, helping local artists and students while promoting sustainability.
• Pilot Program: We are currently piloting the project, collaborating with local schools and institutions to meet community needs.
• Sustainable Practices: Donations are carefully managed—stored, reused, or reinvested into future projects and community programs.

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We welcome the following gently used and/or unwanted supplies in good condition:

• Drawing & Painting Tools: Pencils, pens, markers, erasers & paintbrushes
• Painting Materials: Watercolors, acrylics, oil paints, brushes, and palettes (As long as it's not completely dried out)
• Printmaking Tools: Carving tools, surfaces, brayers, and inks
• Sketchbooks & Paper: Pads, canvas boards, and printmaking paper (unused preferred, slight blemish permissible)
• Craft Supplies: Glue, scissors, tapes, and stencils
• Textile & Collage Materials: Fabric, yarn, beads, and collage elements

Note: We cannot accept hazardous materials (e.g., solvents), totally dried-out paints, or broken tools.

Bring your gently used art supplies to our store during business hours, and we’ll ensure they reach those who need them. For larger donations or special inquiries, contact us at hello@drawingetc.com. All contributions are recorded for transparency and accountability.

As a thank-you, enjoy a one-time 5% discount on your next purchase:

• The discount is valid once per customer.
• No minimum purchase required.

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Our commitment to transparency and responsible use is guided by our store owner. We pledge:

1. Clear Reporting: Updates on collected materials will be shared via newsletters and social media.
2. Responsible Redistribution: Donations will be made available to students and artists to promote sustainability.
3. Reinvestment: If any proceeds are generated, they will support:
   • Free or subsidized workshops
   • Quarterly Materials Community Workshops using surplus supplies
   • Ongoing community arts initiatives
4. Fair Discount Management: The one-time discount is carefully managed to prevent misuse.
5. Annual Transparency Report: We’ll publish an annual report detailing how materials were used to benefit the community.

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Join us in building a sustainable arts community through the Shared Palette Project. Your contribution reduces waste, nurtures creativity, and empowers artists of all backgrounds. Thank you for being part of this initiative—let’s make art accessible to everyone!