About Us
Who We Are
Based in Urbana, Illinois, The Idea Store is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (Federal Tax ID 82-5475035) dedicated to employing and encouraging "Creative Reuse" in support of education, the arts, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
Why We Exist
Art matters. It tells stories that bring people together, enrich our lives, and challenge the status quo. It’s essential to social change, and that’s what we’re about. We aim to take it even further—we believe making art through creative reuse saves money, helps conserve natural resources, and keeps materials out of the trash.
So...what's creative reuse, exactly?
Glad you asked! Creative reuse means taking non-traditional materials and items and using them for your arts, crafts, and educational projects. Think transforming coffee tins into cool planters, using old paint swatches for a self-portrait, making puzzle pieces into earrings…get inventive!
