WINNIPEG – One’s person’s trash is another’s artistic vision.
At the Scrap Came Back, artists with developmental disabilities get a chance to transform abandoned scraps into sculptures, birdhouses, accessories, and more.
“Finding barrier-free employment is a little tricky,” said Susanne Williams, director of development for the DASCH Foundation. “Finding the right fit, well, the store gives us that.”
The Scrap Came Back supports more than 50 artists who contribute, but the work doesn’t stop there. Employees are also trained to sell, organize and run the shop that carries their creations.
“I like working at the store because it feels like home there,” said Michael Bergman, a painter and artist at The Scrap Came Back. “They treat us like who we are. … They treat us like happy people.”
The store sells everything from vegan soaps to mosaics to bird houses, and everything in between.
“I like to do paintings and pastel drawings, and I like to do mosaics with smashed-up glass material,” said Heather Halowich, an employee and artist with the program.
Williams said the program is designed to teach real world experience and help boost confidence in the artists who work at it.
“When they leave … they’ll be prepared to go in and do other work, which is the goal,” said Williams.
For more information about The Scrap Came Back, visit them in person at their shop on St. Annes Road, or online at www.thescrapcameback.com.
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