News Alert: DIY Studio is closing the Creative Reuse Brick and Mortar Store

1897955_730601996964865_1699184357_n
Last night the board voted to close the Creative Reuse Brick and Mortar Store. Below are a few answers to some questions that many of you might have.

Why are you closing the store?
The board took a great deal into consideration before making its decision. We know DIY Studio provides value to the community through events, waste reduction education, and inspiration, however there was little income from the low-cost reuse materials or upcyled artwork. Many days we’d staff the studio with volunteers to receive a $5 sale; some days there wouldn’t be any sales. DIY Studio did not receive assistance for operational costs and our crowd funding campaign did not reach its minimal operational goal of $10,000 for the year. With little income coming in, and our rent doubling, it did not make financial sense to continue to operate as a creative reuse center. Good stewardship of your money is our highest priority and we will continue to fundraise, reduce overhead, and search for alternative ways of accomplishing our mission.

Will DIY Studio still operate as a non-profit?
DIY Studio will continue with its mission, stay a 501(c)(3) organization, and continue adding value to our community. DIY Studio believes that Salem is currently unable to sustain a creative reuse center. We’ve tried hard to make it work, however this simply may not be the right time. DIY Studio will cast a larger net to include programming for a broader audience while focusing on our talents and continue providing value to our community. We have some exciting new projects as described below.

I have a gift certificate, can I use it?
Absolutely! Come in before March 22nd and we will be happy to honor your certificate. After March 22, gift certificates become null and void.

Will you still do events and projects?
Without a doubt! We will have a Trashion show in October. DIY Studio will continue with Cultural Craft Nights, Free Art Friday, and lead our DIY Kids Club. Another project that we are thrilled to get started on is a online magazine promoting our mission of creativity, community, self-sufficiency, and environmental awareness through reuse. This will spread the message of the importance of creative reuse and the DIY spirit to a larger audience. Let us know if you would like to contribute to any of these projects by emailing (info at diystudio.net)

Do you still love Salem?
Signs point to yes! Through DIY Studio we have come in contact with generous spirits, talented artists, and big picture thinkers. We have volunteered and invested countless hours to the community and love the volunteers and the community we have fostered. We have received over 35 donors in our latest campaign and are very grateful for the continued support from the community.

I became a member. Can I get something in return?
As a 501 (c)(3) organization, donations are tax-deductible and because we are partners with Oregon Cultural Trust any matching donations to them receives a tax credit. If you aren’t using your membership as a donation, then we are happy to offer a $20 bag FREE, along with a high five, to all of our members . Simply show your membership card at check out by March 22nd.

Where is the money going when the studio closes?
All funds raised will be used to continue quality programing, events, and community outreach that supports DIY Studio’s mission. See project information above.

Will you open the creative reuse center again?
Reply hazy, try again later. DIY Studio will continue to promote creative reuse and monitor the climate in our community. Perhaps in the future with greater funding and community awareness, DIY Studio can reopen as a creative reuse center.



7 thoughts on “News Alert: DIY Studio is closing the Creative Reuse Brick and Mortar Store”

  • Everyone on your team worked so hard on this, and I am so proud of you (and everyone involved) for all that you’ve accomplished!! ♥ Looking forward to doing some more craft nights with you Jessica!!! xoxo

  • I have never heard of this place. Maybe it would have done better if it had advertising. How long has it been around?

    • LaVelle, how did you hear about DIY Studio now? We are a grass roots, all volunteer organization. With no advertising budget, we didn’t pay for any print advertising but did have many free advertising campaigns on Facebook, twitter as well as partnerships. And we’ve been mentioned in the paper with color photos many, many times. We love that form of advertising because it is free and has built in readership. If advertising is your forte we’d love your help! Here’s the list of all the times we’ve been mentioned in the papers in case you’ve missed it:

      Statesman Journal
      Mid-Valley Green Awards honor environmental efforts, Spotlight shines on business, citizens March 1, 2014

      Sunday Profile: DIY Studio’s creator mixes vision, will as she creates nonprofit by hand

      Local businesses, residents will be honored at Mid-Valley Green Awards

      Nonprofit Niche: DIY Studio
      Statesman Journal; (Jan 19, 2014)

      Crafted out of junk
      Hamlin, Holly; Statesman Journal; (Jul 9, 2013)

      Homemade gift wrapping
      Statesman Journal; (Dec 22, 2013)

      Crafters create with castoffs
      Ulshafer, Cindy; Statesman Journal; (Jun 26, 2013)

      Color-themed art show
      Wright, Carlee; Statesman Journal; (Dec 5, 2013)

      A space for artists
      Curtin, Barbara; Statesman Journal; (Dec 1, 2013)

      Arts and cultural groups get grants
      Curtin, Barbara; Statesman Journal; (Nov 21, 2013)

      Gingerbread Gala supports nonprofits
      Statesman Journal; (Dec 12, 2013)

      DIY class, recycling center planned
      Statesman Journal; (Dec 18, 2012)

      ‘Free Art Friday’ scavenger hunt scheduled
      Pallone, Cara; Statesman Journal; (Mar 6, 2013)

      Salem Weekly:

      Trashion Graces Green Awards, March 6th, 2014

      DIY Comes To Town
      WRITTEN BY APUSER ON NOVEMBER 28, 2012

      Salem is about to be transformed by a downtown space devoted to art, artists and creativity.
      WRITTEN BY APUSER ON OCTOBER 3, 2013

      Do It Yourself Downtown
      WRITTEN BY APUSER ON JUNE 26, 2013

      A New Kind of “Street Art” -Free Art Friday
      WRITTEN BY APUSER ON MARCH 6, 2013

      The art of ‘making’ makes a comeback
      WRITTEN BY APUSER ON DECEMBER 1, 2010

  • Jessica,

    Sad to hear that this isn’t a go for right now. I had heard of the studio and never made it down there. I have an artistic kid too. Creating that type of a program requires so much energy, time, and heart. I’m glad to see that you will still be around.

  • I’ve been a huge fan of DIY Studio from the very start. You’ve done a great job supporting this community in all ways creative. I look forward to the online magazine and hope someday a brick and mortar store will return to our state capital. Three cheers for DIY Studio!

Leave a Reply to NW KidchaserCancel reply