Piece by piece the artists at Artfully Repurposed in Middletown are working to save the planet. These fine and diverse artists discover the beauty in items that might otherwise be ignored. With skill and imagination, they breathe life into old tables, nightstands, desks, dressers and anything they can lay their talented hands on.
When you first enter the vivid purple gates of Artfully Repurposed you know there’s something different about this gallery. Everywhere you turn in this magical garden you are greeted with eye-popping art, skillfully repurposed tables, unique chairs, and fashionable home accessories. Suitcases, breadboxes, and end tables are lined with fabric and cushions to become beds for the family dog. An old chair is turned into a useable work of art when covered with fabric. Plain garden rocks are painted to look like owls, cats and foxes. All kinds of furniture and accessories are brought back to life with the skill and determination of artists set on saving the environment and creating something unique.
Artfully Repurposed is the brainchild of artist, Annette Paradiso, who along with Interior Decorator, Irene Burgos took the idea of repurposing old furniture and household accessories to a higher level. They put the word out to artists in their community and brought them together for form Artfully Repurposed.
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"I am Artfully Repurposed,” says Annette Pardiso. “As I have had to reinvent myself though out my life.”
Always a collector of treasures, Annette put an ad on Craigslist and met Irene, who became a co-owner of Artfully Repurposed. At that first meeting Annette realized Irene shared the same vision of creating a place where artists could come together and create beautiful, useful art while saving the environment.
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“Being creative is very stress relieving, like doing Yoga or meditation. Artfully Repurposed is a place where artists can create while enjoying a stress relieving and eco-friendly environment,” Annette said.
Co-owner, Irene, an expert with power tools and paint, says, “Repurposing helps keep usable pieces out of our landfills and by bringing them back to life. When I reinvent a piece I know I’m conserving our resources and in turn reducing pollution.” Irene believes repurposing furnishings creatively allows the piece to function for a hundred more years.
Other resident artists at Artfully Repurposed include;
Briana Deedmeyer, a 10 year veteran of the home textiles design industry. She loves putting a modern, graphic and colorful spin on something old and once thought of as trash. Briana uses her knowledge of pattern and print design to allow her pieces to standout and speak for themselves.
Megan Donnelly is a Brookdale student and budding young artist, who paints and creates Dream Catchers to add to the charm and creativity at Artfully Repurposed.
Will Stevenson, graduate of S.M.F.A. in Boston, with a background in both Fine Art and Graphic Design, is a father of 3. He works from his home studio and lives to create.
Artfully Repurposed is constantly expanding as new items are being added to the gallery each week. If you’re looking for a unique gift, that special piece of art or furniture for dining room, living room or bedroom be sure to check out this amazing new gallery. The environment will thank you for it!
Artfully Repurposed can be found this Saturday, September 28th at “Made in Monmouth.” An event at Monmouth University Athletic Center 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, NJ 07764, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come out and meet the artists and see their work!
