It is all the rage these days it seems.  Repurposing old items into something new.  It is what my parents and certainly grandparents called normal.   It was not uncommon for them to recycle items and re-purpose them for another use.  Sometimes it was because of a brilliant idea but more often than not it was as a result of having to make do with something or doing without.

I was intrigued when I saw in the local paper, the Globe Gazette, an article featuring an exhibit on display at the Clear Lake Arts Center during April that concentrated on a selection of re-purposed art items. This display is a joint effort with the Clear Lake Earth Days Committee and is a fabulous little exhibit to browse.  The hubby and I took the quick ride to Clear Lake with this exhibit in mind.

I was encouraged to take pictures of the items for my blog post and I did just that but of course, as usual. I did not take nearly enough to really show the expanse of the display and the variety of the art that I saw.  If you are within driving distance I would highly recommend that you go see the pieces that I did not capture with my camera.  The Clear Lake Arts Center is located on South 4th Street and is open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday-Saturday.

The prominent piece that catches the eye of every arts center visitor has to be the beautiful thrift shop prom dress that local Kate Christensen crafted into a stunning headboard.  Don’t you agree that this is amazing???

Other favorites included the wonderful belted chairs created for functionality by Pat Benner.  With the buckles hidden safely on the underside of the seats these would be delightful chairs to sit and while away the  hours in—perhaps with a cup of tea in hand.

I am always intrigued by book art and there were several examples of that in this exhibit also including both clocks and purses which certainly caught my eye. Regina Smith of Fort Dodge was the creator of the purses which already are a popular seller.  Yes, some of the items are for sale so that is a bonus for visitors.

There was a lot stuffed into the display area and I know I missed a lot of great items that were there but this at least gives you an idea of the creativity and sense of whimsy that could be found at the show.  Below are a few more selections that caught my eye.

An orphaned drawer turned into a doll bed or a nightstand!!!  “Owldorable”, don’t you think?

A trumpet case used for display purposes makes it useful once the music is gone.

Do you have a bunch of ties that need a home?  How about this fabulous piece that will keep your interest tied up for hours?

Couch springs gone all wonky on you?  Turn them into an outdoor sculpture with a perfect spot to feature some fishing lures.  Clever!

As I stated I did not take nearly the number of pictures that I should have and the ones I took of some beautiful pieces from a local business did not turn out.  But this is where social media comes in handy!  I met Colleen Thompson across a room at a recent Social Media Breakfast meeting and remembered that she and her husband John own Powder Craft  in Clear Lake.  They had several items on display at this event that I did not photograph well and she graciously sent me a couple of pictures of the table that they have on display there that they use in their break room.  It is made from the old floor at the former skating rink in Clear Lake.  How cool is that? They are proud of the heritage of their area and want to do all they can to preserve it. Thanks ,Colleen, for sharing these with me.

There is much more to view and I have not even begun to show you the wonderful Clear Lake Arts Center itself with rooms and rooms of lovely art pieces to view. That is a post for another day but because this exhibit will end at the end of April I wanted to make sure I got this post posted in a timely manner.

This was our first visit but definitely not our last.  Do you have any favorite art centers that you visit or do you have a great idea for repurposing something into a creative and maybe useful item?  I would love to hear your ideas so please feel free to comment.  Don’t forget that our Comments for a Cause this month is My Happy Place in Mason City.  For each comment made during April my husband and I will donate 50 cents to My Happy Place to help provide beautiful bedroom and other transformation for kids in crisis.  You can read more about it by clicking here.