ReUse · Recycle · Create!
Brushwood Art Supply Exchange (BASE)

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is now home to a new materials exchange and creative reuse center called “BASE” – the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange. BASE is a source of low-cost art materials with opportunities for free supplies to educators and community partners. From professionals and educators to students, families and the simply craft-curious, we serve all levels of artists. BASE also serves as a library of tools and resources, and an open workspace for artists of all disciplines and abilities to gather and create.

It’s a Recycling Center

Did you start a quilt a decade ago that you don’t intend to finish? Did you switch from oils to acrylic? Does knitting no longer “spark joy”? Artists and crafters often accumulate tools and supplies that they no longer need. We would be thrilled to pass your unwanted art supplies and tools along to someone else who would like to use them and in the process, keep those items out of the landfills. We accept a wide range of art & craft materials in good condition from individuals, organizations, schools and businesses. Please check the list below before bringing items to Brushwood Center.

It’s a Shop

BASE features all kinds of supplies for creating art – from paints and brushes to fabric and thread to pinecones and popsicle sticks. The items we collect are sorted and brought into BASE headquarters inside Brushwood Center. Most items are available for sale at very low prices, and many items available FREE to educators and students taking classes at Brushwood Center. Check back often – you never know what you’ll find!

It’s a Tool Library and Open Studio

Some of the items we collect are better shared. Items such as art reference books, sets of specialized tools, or things like sewing machines will be kept in house and made available for use at Brushwood Center or to take home on loan. Don’t have room to create or want to do a project with our loaner items? An open work table will be available inside BASE for you to use. Brushwood Center also has lots of other rooms where you can spread out and create (subject to availability).

It’s a Collective

One of the best resources we can share is each other! On Saturday mornings (9-1pm) you are encouraged to come and create at Brushwood Center with friends. Bring whatever portable project you are working on, or get some supplies from BASE and see where inspiration takes you. It’s a low pressure opportunity to try something new, explore the tool library, spend time with friends and also to share your skills with others.