When Julianna Jackson and Nate Carpenter moved from St. Louis to Milwaukee, they quickly found a lot to like about their new home.
“What did draw us… is the sense of community that I feel whenever we're in Milwaukee,” Jackson shared. But they also noticed something their new community could use — or reuse.
At the end of July, the pair opened the doors to 414 Art Revival, an art-resale shop where people can find pre-loved art supplies at a reasonable price and donate materials they no longer need. But the location on West National Avenue in West Allis is also a community space that features Milwaukee artists and hosts classes.
Jackson was inspired by her mom’s own creative reuse store in Alton, Illinois. “Once we realized that Milwaukee didn't have anything like this … I wanted a place where I could host events and classes,” she said.
They opened the store as a way for community members to engage with art in an accessible and affordable way. But the space is not just for artists; anyone looking to craft or learn something new can drop in. On a recent day, that included Nikki, a teacher looking for materials that would make her students feel special.
“I want to start making my own birthday cards to send to my students. So, honestly, I've got two birthday cards that I need to send out next week,” she said with a laugh, adding that she felt inspired to hunt for used supplies to craft unique cards. It was the aspects of affordability and sustainability that drew her to the store.
“I feel like I was just talking to another friend about going to a regular art store where everything is brand new and how expensive it is,” Nikki recalled. “I'm also one to try to go secondhand shopping if I can — just to limit waste — and buy something that we can use again rather than something straight off the shelf.”
Within the first month, Jackson and Carpenter had to pause the donations that make up most of their stock. Whether it’s their wall of yarn, shelves of paint or baskets of stickers, there are more than enough materials that you can walk in without a plan and leave inspired to make something new.
The store is also an avenue for the owners to explore their creative passions too. When she’s not at the store, Jackson does nail art and Carpenter often writes. What surprised them most about starting the venture was the instant community reaction.
“People have been really excited to have something like this, and so are we,” Jackson said. “I think that we were kind of surprised by the reaction of people who were so excited to have a place to donate.”
“Community support's been amazing,” Carpenter added. “And so many people come in [and say], ‘This is a great idea. I love this store. I've been waiting for something like this.’”
To see whether the store is currently accepting donations and find more information about 414 Art Revival, visit their website.
