At the end of September, the Creative Arts Center hosted something brand new — our very first Creative Reuse Sale! This event brought together artists, makers, and community members to give gently used and leftover arts and crafts supplies a second life.
The results were inspiring. Together, we raised $690 for the Center, helped our community declutter, and gave art materials a fresh start. Even better, we kept an impressive 318 pounds of art supplies out of the landfill — a win for both creativity and sustainability!
Of course, once the sale was done, we still had to decide what to do with the remaining supplies. Some found a new temporary home at Mimi’s Locker in North Bonham, just in time for the big Highway 82 Garage Sales. Those leftover treasures brought in another $79.46, bringing our total raised to $769.46.
The rest of the materials went on an adventure to a brand-new creative space that had just opened its doors: Goodwill Artworks in Denison, Texas.
A New Kind of Goodwill
Goodwill Artworks isn’t your typical thrift store. It’s a nonprofit art hub — part of the Goodwill organization, but with a completely different focus: inclusion, growth, and creativity for all abilities. Their motto says it best: “Art is for Everyone.”
When we dropped off our donations, we had the chance to meet Matt Bardwell, Manager and Curator of Goodwill Artworks. Matt shared that this location is the first of its kind in the entire Goodwill organization — and it’s already attracting visitors and attention from across the country.
Inside, the space is bright, open, and colorful — a joyful celebration of art and community. Visitors can explore the gallery, create in the studio, or shop for fun and inspiring merchandise. Shelves are filled with vibrant t-shirts, kids’ art kits, and even candles featuring Matt’s own artwork on the labels (and yes — you can even make your own candle!).
One wall proudly proclaims “Art is for Everyone” and invites guests to “Add your mark.” A bucket of markers sits nearby, and visitors have already started to fill the wall with names, doodles, and colorful expressions. Another wall is covered in color wheels and theory charts, while a third displays instruments and percussion tools, adding a musical rhythm to the creative energy.
Located at 510 W. Main Street in Denison, Goodwill Artworks fits perfectly into the town’s vibrant and growing art and music scene. Even outside, creativity thrives — the bicycle rack is shaped like a music note, and murals brighten many of Denison’s downtown walls, several painted by Matt himself.
Meet Matt Bardwell
Matt is a Denison-based artist with deep roots in Bonham. A lifelong creator, musician, and community builder, Matt first turned to art as a form of healing during childhood cancer treatment. His surreal, dream-inspired work now reflects a deep passion for creativity, connection, and purpose.
In his role at Goodwill Artworks, Matt is helping others discover that same joy — offering group art experiences, tween nights, kids’ art sessions, and open studio times designed to make creativity accessible to everyone.
As we look back on our first Creative Reuse Sale, we’re filled with gratitude — for everyone who donated, shopped, volunteered, or helped spread the word. Together, we proved that art can do so much more than fill canvases — it can build community, reduce waste, and open doors for creativity in unexpected places.
We’re already looking forward to making the Creative Reuse Sale an annual tradition. See you next year, and until then — keep creating, sharing, and finding beauty in reuse.
