It’s truly amazing how a new perspective can transform someone else’s “trash” into a beautiful treasure. There are many local “reuse artists” who are doing just that, and the result is nothing short of stunning! Many of them showcase their work at ReWorked Creations, an interactive reuse studio in the Village of the Arts.

The gallery displays work by owner Ruth Warren as well as 15 other extremely talented artists. Here you’ll find exciting wall art and a huge array of functional art pieces. Examples include painted furniture by Mary Fragapane, denim bags by Kristine Johansen, paintings and pillows by Steve Hafliger, painted cedar planks by Lee Stadler, whimsical art by Margo Belaga, and more!

Part of what fuels Ruth’s passion for the studio is her strong belief in the connection between art and healing.

She’s facing some pretty big challenges, including fighting two different types of stage four cancer and dealing with a lifelong inherited peripheral neuropathy disease.

However, these issues don’t keep her from doing what she loves. In fact, she says: “The gallery is my healing space. I pour my energy into it because it makes me feel the best I can be!”

Almost all of the art in the studio is created from a variety of reclaimed and repurposed materials. This includes many different types of papers, maps, sheet music, Mardi Gras beads, broken jewelry, pallet wood, buttons, eggshells, scrap fabric, found objects, and much more.

Ruth says she’s inspired by the challenge of reusing material, rather than continually buying new.

“If you find it in my store, chances are the item is created from something old, used, vintage, or discarded. I have been creating from scrap materials for over 40 years, ever since my mother taught me as a child to ‘save everything, waste nothing, and create treasure from trash‘.”

When asked about the artwork she chooses for her studio, Ruth said: “I am proud of the work these artists produce. Together we all show the quality of art you can achieve when using reclaimed materials. My artists are amazing!“

In addition to the studio, ReWorked Creations also has an Etsy shop where they sell “RePurposed Parts.” These are reclaimed materials that have been collected over the years and curated into affordable packages that other makers can buy to use for their own work. Some of the items you’ll find there include textiles and trims, iron-on quilt appliques, junk journal tags, home improvement samples, vintage quilt blocks, and a wide variety of other items and oddities.

ReWorked creations is also an interactive studio. Visitors can book a 1 to 3 hour session at their “Make and Take Room” for just $10 per person, per hour. This is a self-guided exploration where you’re free to use their wide variety of salvaged materials to make any type of mixed-media art that appeals to you. Of course, you can take home anything you create.

Workshops, classes, and private or semi-private lessons are also available on-demand. All workshops include materials and supplies. The cost is based on a sliding scale, depending on the number of students. Take a look at some of their current workshops. If you would like to schedule a session, you can give them a call at 919-306-5745.

To help ensure everyone’s safety, the studio has made some changes. Open studio and workshops are currently limited to 4 people during gallery hours and 8 people after hours. Private groups and families may schedule together, but there will be no scheduling of people who don’t know each other.

You’ll be asked to wear a mask while you’re in the studio and use disposable gloves while exploring and selecting your materials. There will be hand sanitizer and hand wash sinks available for you to use, and all tables and tools are sanitized between groups. If you have leftover materials, you can either take them home or they’ll be set aside for a few days before they’re reintroduced back into the selection.

Want to check out the gallery or play in the Make and Take room?

ReWorked Creations is located at 1227 12th St. W. in t he Village of the Arts. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am until 4 pm.

You’ll also want to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so you can stay on top of all the latest and greatest things they have going on.

When you visit, make sure to tell them you heard about it on Discover Bradenton!

Have you had the pleasure of visiting ReWorked Creations before? Head over to their Discover Bradenton listing and leave them a review!