From founder, Sarah Sweet:
This born and raised C’ville townie has been making art since I could first hold a crayon. As an art teacher, I have combined my love of art and my love of teaching children the magical powers making art holds. Quickly after having my daughter, I realized I had better start doing more than just recycling to do my part for the future of this planet and all its children. While on a trip to Nashville, I stumbled upon Turnip Green and immediately became hooked on creative reuse. Creative Reuse (also known as upcycling or repurposing), is when the addition of creativity to an already manufactured item brings a new function. With creative reuse, thousands of pounds of usable materials can be diverted from the landfill* and given new life.
Upon returning back to Charlottesville, I began dragging my daughter to every creative reuse center we could drive to- Scrap RVA, the Scrap Exchange, and Scrap B-More. Not only did we get way too many awesome supplies, but I also realized I wanted to bring creative reuse to Charlottesville.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide all makers (regardless of age, race, gender, or creed) unique and reclaimed creative materials and creative experiences at affordable prices.
We promote sustainable living for the Central Virginia community by participating in the circular economy. WE AIM to provide simple ways to extend the life of art and craft materials while also proving that being a part of the circular economy makes sense for people and for the planet. Instead of buying, using, and throwing things away, we are an alternative to the traditional cycle of consumption.
The Scrappy Elephant serves the local community by sparking creativity and bringing joy to our customers, reducing waste to the landfill, and through our non-profit rewards program.
The Team
Ellen Kanzinger, Store Manager
Ellen Kanzinger is a photographer and multimedia fiber artist based in Charlottesville, Va. When she's not creating art from Scrappy finds, she's usually on the trails trying not to fall off her mountain bike or reading the largest book she can find at the library.
Beth Rodriguez, Lead Teacher
Beth Rodriguez is an artist and educator originally from the Shenandoah Valley. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in General Fine Arts from James Madison University (‘06) and a Masters in Art Education from Boston University (‘12). She taught K-5th grade Art from 2006-2022but is now focusing on teaching after-school art classes and devoting more time to her own painting, illustration, and jewelry making.
Pierce Trivigno
They have lived in Charlottesville for the majority of their life and have always been an artist. A poet, painter, collage artist and more. You can usually find them working or hanging out with their dog, Nimue.
Jennifer Bauerle
Jennifer loves to organize and began sewing three years ago during covid. Working at the Scrappy Elephant is a great combination of these two passions and helping customers find just the right item is her favorite part. Previously, she worked at the University of Virginia in health promotion and also teaches exercise classes at the YMCA. When she’s not organizing or crafting, Jennifer loves to travel and is often found on her bike, riding the beautiful roads around the area. She lives with her partner and their 5 cats.
Amarie Anderson
Mabel Sweet
You can find Mabel in the shop most mornings during the week. She loves pets and being carried around the store in loving arms. She also loves treats.
Why an elephant?
Elephant families are led by females, and this is a female founded and run business. Elephants are creative communicators, kind, loyal, self-aware and some of the most intelligent animals that exist. They can also paint! The elephant embodies all the values The Scrappy Elephant holds dear- we are a place where creativity and kindness abound and where the makers who come here are aware of their impact on the future of this planet.
*Why divert materials from the landfill?
Because landfills are bad for our health and environment. In 1988, the EPA stated all landfills will eventually leak. That means that runoff carrying with it toxic chemicals from our waste, ends up in our water supplies. Many communities surrounding landfills have had their drinking water contaminated by leaking landfills.
Landfills are a major source of methane. The EPA also found landfills to be the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. Methane is a greenhouse gas 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, making it a powerful contributor to our climate crisis. Information from Community Action Works.