Turning Waste into Wonder: How Repurpose Rising is Reimagining Creativity & Sustainability in Des Moines

In a world drowning in disposable culture, some stories shine as beacons of ingenuity. Repurpose Rising, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of them. This nonprofit has been transforming the way we think about art supplies, community, and environmental responsibility — and they’re proving that creativity and sustainability aren’t just compatible; they’re powerful together.

Who They Are: The Mission & Values
Repurpose Rising is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to “transform donated art and craft supplies into tools for creativity and sustainability.” They gather unused or gently-used craft materials — from paint, yarn, fabric, beads, to paper and more — that might otherwise end up in landfills.

Some Key Features:
- Partial Arts: Their creative reuse thrift store, where people can buy art supplies at very low cost
- Workshops & Events: They host educational workshops to teach sustainable crafting and reuse techniques.
- Volunteer & Donation Model: Their operations are supported by donations (both supplies and funds) and volunteers who help sort, organize, lead workshops, etc.

Their values emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, creativity, community, and empowerment.

Why It Matters
- Environmental Footprint: Many art & craft supplies can be surprisingly wasteful, especially when people buy new supplies because old ones go unused or are discarded. Repurpose Rising helps redirect those items into reuse cycles.
- Access & Equity: Creative supplies can be costly. By offering thrifted materials and workshops, the organization lowers barriers for people (artists, educators, hobbyists) to create.
- Community Building: Their events, workshops, store, and volunteer programs forge connections. People come together not just to buy or donate, but to share ideas, learn, and build.
- Education & Sustainable Mindset: They teach not just “how to make something” but “how to think differently about waste, consumption, creativity.”

Spotlight: Monster Maker Market — Repurpose Rising’s October Event
One of Repurpose Rising’s exciting upcoming events is the Annual Monster Maker Market, taking place Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CDT) at Doanes Park, 5050 Doanes Park Road, Pleasant Hill, Iowa (Altoona area).

What to Expect
- A spooky-fun, Halloween-themed maker market, full of handmade & crafted treasures. Think accessories, art, decor — all with a twist of the weird, whimsical, or spooky.
- Hands-on mischief: There will be opportunities for participants to get crafty, make their own creations, likely using reused or repurposed materials.
- A chance to support local artists & makers who share values of sustainability and reuse.

Why It’s Worth Attending
- If you’re looking for unique gifts or decorations for Halloween, this is a place where you’ll find items that are not mass-produced, and often made with an eye toward reducing waste.
- Great opportunity to see the mission of Repurpose Rising in action — the materials, the volunteers, the joy in upcycling.
- For families, creatives, and anyone curious about sustainable arts, this could be both fun and inspiring.
- It’s also a chance to meet volunteers or staff, learn about how you might donate, volunteer, or engage with future events/workshops.

How You Can Support Them (or Get Involved)
- Donate Supplies: If you have unused or gently used art & craft materials, Repurpose Rising accepts a wide variety. Donating helps keep their shelves stocked and materials flowing back into creative hands.
- Monetary Donations or Sponsorship: Funding helps cover operational costs, workshops, events, and outreach. Sponsorship can also give visibility to local businesses aligned with sustainability.
- Volunteer: From sorting donations, helping in the thrift store, assisting in events like the Monster Maker Market, to running workshops. It’s a way to learn, contribute, and stay connected.
- Attend Events: Show your support by going to their events. Buying from local makers at their markets, signing up for workshops, bringing friends. Even small ticket purchases or presence make a difference.

Takeaway
Repurpose Rising isn’t just about saving craft supplies; it’s about saving ideas, opening creative possibility, and helping people see the potential in what’s already there. Their upcoming Monster Maker Market offers a fun, tangible way for the community to engage with that mission. Whether you’re a maker, a donor, or just someone who loves seeing creativity and sustainability come together — there’s something for you.