Moab Happenings Archive
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Non-Profit Happenings May 2013

The Beauty in the Imperfect

WabiSabi Community Christmas DinnerWabiSabi’s belief is that beauty lies in imperfection, that new is not necessarily nicer, and that our discards could very well be our salvation. In this way, WabiSabi is more than just an organization; it’s a way of life.

WabiSabi is a Moab-based nonprofit that exists to support the health and wealth of the entire community. In pursuing this end, WabiSabi works via many avenues, bringing the WabiSabi philosophy to its multi-tiered efforts.

WabiSabi operates two thrift stores in the Moab community that serve to divert the waste stream and recycle materials that would otherwise be deposited in the landfill. Proceeds from the sale of these donated items are distributed among WabiSabi’s nonprofit partners, thus contributing to their financial viability. Those making purchases or donations at WabiSabi’s stores are able to vote for the organization that they’d most like to support. Twice a year, financial awards are distributed based on the percentage of votes each nonprofit receives.

Each store has its own personality. The Thriftique is a gem of a store with a variety of unique and sought-after items. This store features the best in used quality clothing (adult and children’s), collectibles, sportswear, books and camping equipment. The Thriftique is located at 411 Locust Lane (across from Milt’s) and can be reached at 259-9114.

The Warehouse is a great place to wander and rummage in the best tradition of old-fashioned thrift stores. This location features reduced price clothing, furniture, housewares and children’s items. The Recycled Building Materials section is also found at the Warehouse, offering up all that you might need for your next remodeling project. The Warehouse is located at 1030 Bowling Alley Lane, in the Rick’s Glass Building by ALCO. They can be reached at 259-3313.

WabiSabi recyclingHowever, WabiSabi is much more than just thrift stores. While the stores are the essential, beating heart of the organization, WabiSabi’s reach extends beyond the walls of its storefronts and into every corner of the community. WabiSabi engages in educational outreach about its local nonprofit partners, enhancing their voice and presence in the community. WabiSabi also puts on free workshops emphasizing sustainability and creative expression. The organization offers a grant – the Make A Difference in Moab Fund – that supports projects seeking to WabiSabi Kids tentincrease the quality of life in the area. WabiSabi donates materials from its stores directly to local nonprofits to meet their needs and the needs of those they service. And the organization provides free community meals each winter – a season when many residents find themselves out of work.

WabiSabi’s Art Tent offers arts and crafts projects for children at festivals, including the upcoming Moab Arts Festival, May 25th and 26th. By creatively repurposing materials that may otherwise be destined for the landfill, the WabiSabi ethic is passed to new generations. An old t-shirt finds new life through tie-dyeing. Retired panty hose, sawdust, and non-recyclable cups grow into Grass Heads with the addition of grass seed, water and love. A “spin-art bike” supplies the movement and WabiSabi provides the scratched, warped records, paint, and squirt bottles to create one of a kind record art. In all of these efforts and more, WabiSabi is an integral part of the Moab community, supporting its eclectic sense of identity and the diversity of residents that comprise it.

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