MECCA

I’m probably not MECCA’s biggest fan, but Lord knows I’m up there.
It’s all donated items and scrap items, meant to be used as art supplies. Thrifty artist heaven. It’s in the building just east of the train station.
Tips for your best MECCA experience:
1. Don’t go in expecting to find something specific. If you need a specific brand of a specific tool specifically, go to an art supply store. If you need «some yarn» or «a little paintbrush», MECCA will do.
2. Don’t have a super specific project in mind. It’s a lot better to go here when you have no ideas at all, and see what they have. See what your creative side comes up with when presented with the materials. For example, I found a bunch of strong, thin thread, cool round woven wreaths, and cheap beads, and decided to start making dream catchers.
3. For best value, start in the «warehouse» (through the door in the back). See if they’ve got anything in bulk that you’re into. Everything in there is «name your own price». My favorite find was a circuit board that I got for a quarter. I tore it apart and made a little city.
4. Follow their Facebook page for all of their workshops and details on their deals (such as Freebie Friday — at a recent Freebie Friday all of their «paper goods» — like sewing patterns and magazines for collaging — were free with any purchase)
5. Go to a class! I did their mosaic class and came away with an amazing piece I would have had no idea how to make before!
6. Do Object Afterlife — check for it on their website or Facebook page in the summer time! It’s an art challenge using a mystery recycled item, complete with an art show! I felt like my art was crappy until I won an award at the show for my weird sculpture!
7. Be a cheapskate. You get the best deals digging through the bins.
8. Go back often! Donations roll in all the time and you’re bound to find something cool!
Also, for Pete’s sake, be nice to the people who work (or, often, volunteer!) there. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed people being grumpy to the cashier about something stupid, like not having a specific item (they’re all donations!) or something they can’t control (like the card reader not working).
There’s bike parking just west of the building (between it and the train station).

I took my four and seven-​year-​old boys to the Saturday drop in hours (11 – 3). They had fun creating a hanging praying mantis. This is a fun and affordable ($ 3 – 5 suggested donation) activity that we will definitely be doing again!
Next time I need craft supplies, I will definitely check Mecca first. They have a lot of unique and cheap supplies.

Tons of craft supplies for incredibly cheap. The store is organized and all the staff are super friendly and charming. They have various classes for children that are always super fun and creative. Definitely go to MECCA before paying full price for any art or craft supplies. New additional products every day.

Craft and art supply thrift store. Friendly staff and organized/​artistically disheveled merchandise. It is super fun to dig through things and get crafty ideas or chat with other customers. The pay-​what-​you-​want, bulk and generally wildly low prices make it dangerously cheap for those with a tendency to hoard pretty paper or fabric scraps. You might not find exactly what you’re looking for but that is the fun part.

MECCA is a magical place. Although on the inside it’s cluttered and a little grimy, and usually has just enough people wandering around to make navigating the aisles slightly challenging, treasure lurks if you look for it.
I personally go for the knitting needles and yarn, which are sometimes secondhand and sometimes still in the packaging, untouched. There’s also half-​full glue bottles, painted-​on canvasses that can be painted over, and a bunch of other stuff that’s more or less obscure. The shelves overflow with inspiration, and best of all, shopping there is good for the environment as all the items are donated, and they are REALLY INEXPENSIVE… I’ve never paid more than $ 7 for an armful of stuff. One example: knitting needles that would otherwise be upwards of $ 10 are less than $ 2.
I’m not a serious artist, but I’ve always felt welcome at the store even amongst the more professional types. MECCA gives me the sense that I can create something out of nothing and have it be fantabulous. They also offer workshops (for all ages) and by-​donation communal studio space. Whether you’re feeling crafty, want to give your kids something to do over summer break, or are a teacher in need of free/​low-​cost materials, MECCA will help you out.

Fantastic resource for all kinds of artistic materials, inventory constantly changing. Art workshops for kids or adults; sewing area with sewing machines ready to go for your next project. Teacher resource area; free materials to teachers for their next class art projects.

Can be a bit of a challenge to find as you have to go through the Electric Station’s lot to get to it.
They have a free section for K-​12 instructors all you need to do is bring your school ID. A real win in this economy when school supply budgets are virtually nonexistent.