Since Scraplanta opened its first storefront in Tucker in 2022, it has quickly become one of the most beloved resources for local artists seeking affordable art supplies. Functioning as a sort of art thrift store, Scraplanta also offers workshops and event rentals in its classroom space.
When I met Scraplanta Executive Director Jonelle Dawkins, she was candid about her ambitions to create a flourishing shop in Tucker and eventually expand across the city to satellite locations in other underserved communities. And now, with the announcement of an Adair Park location lovingly referred to as “Scraplet,” they are moving forward into that purpose.
“Scraplanta is proud to bring more accessible and sustainable art supplies and workshops to the vibrant Southwest Atlanta corridor,” said Dawkins, whose grandparents and great-grandparents who once lived close to Scraplet’s location.
The Scraplet shop will be located within CreateATL, a coworking space on Murphy Avenue in Adair Park. Occupying a smaller footprint than the Tucker location, this shop will contain the same offerings but in a more condensed layout and format. The hope is that Scraplet will eventually grow into a larger location in the same neighborhood.
Scraplanta’s business model is donation-based, accepting lightly used art materials donated by the community which are then processed, organized, and offered for sale at a deeply discounted price when compared to new art supplies. The affordability of their materials has earned them a loyal following of artists, educators, and hobbyists alike who can simultaneously stock their art supplies and make a difference by diverting used art supplies away from landfills.
Since they opened their Tucker location nearly two years ago Scraplanta has processed an incredible 120,000 pounds of donated art materials.
“There are literally NO art supply stores south of I-20, and that is a disservice to the vibrant culture of the southside!” Dawkins told me, with emphasis, as we discussed the announcement.
In addition to affordable art supplies, Scraplet will also offer sliding scale and pay-what-you-can workshops that will foster a collaborative learning environment for creatives of all experience levels and ages. Visitors can also expect a scan-and-go kiosk for quick access to supplies even when the storefront is closed, and they plan to be open during Southwest Atlanta events and CreateATL programming such as Porches and Pies and Soul Food Cypher.
The Scraplet will host a soft launch on Sat., Aug. 17 coinciding with National Thrift Store Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ongoing open hours will be Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a formal grand opening event on Sat., Sept. 7. For more information about Scraplanta and Scraplet, check out their website.
