SACA Hosts First-Ever Community Artists’ Pantry Shopping Event

Free Art Supplies for All on Saturday, November 1st

Southbury, CT – October 1, 2025 – The Southbury Arts & Culture Alliance (SACA) invites local creatives and curious makers of all ages to its inaugural Community Artists’ Pantry Free Shopping Day on Saturday, November 1st, 2025.

🖌️ Donation Drop-Off: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

🛍️ Public Shopping Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (or while supplies last)

📍 Location: Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South (Mat Room)

This unique, donation-powered event is designed to make art supplies accessible to everyone in the community, especially those for whom cost is a barrier. It also gives unused or gently used art supplies a second life—keeping them out of storage closets and landfills and putting them into the hands of those who will use and enjoy them. Participants can browse and "shop" a wide variety of free materials—from sketchpads and brushes to yarn, beads, paints, and more.

“We’re so excited to bring this to life. It’s a creative boost for anyone who wants to make art but may not have the resources,” said Sherrie Romano, SACA Vice President and Pantry Co-Chair.

“We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of support,” added Barbara Phillips, Co-Chair. “This event is truly about community—sharing what we have to empower one another.”

Morning Donations Welcome!

If you'd like to contribute, bring your gently used or new art and craft supplies between 8:00 and 10:00 AM that morning. Volunteers will be onsite to accept and sort materials.

Ongoing, SACA encourages residents to look for its signature donation bins located at:

• The Cottage at Main Cooperative

• Vicinanza Art Gallery & Studios

• Southbury Parks and Recreation Office

The event is part of SACA’s broader mission to promote, inspire, and support arts and culture throughout greater Southbury. By repurposing unused creative supplies, the Artists’ Pantry program reduces waste, supports local artists and educators, and encourages joyful creative expression at every level.

🎨 Whether you're a budding young artist, a classroom teacher, a retired crafter, or just looking for inspiration, this is your chance to stock up—for free!

For event updates or to suggest a future donation site, email SACA at info@southburyartsandculturealliance.org or visit www.southburyartsandculturealliance.org

SACA Community Artists’ Pantry Committee:

(Left to right): Kristen Angell Iseppi, Sherrie Romano (Co-Chair), Kelly Keenan. Not pictured: Barbara Phillips (Co-Chair)

About the Southbury Arts & Culture Alliance (SACA)

SACA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting, inspiring, and supporting the arts and cultural life of the greater Southbury community (including Bridgewater, Middlebury, Newtown, Oxford, Roxbury, and Woodbury). Through events, partnerships, and advocacy, SACA empowers artists and enriches the town’s cultural landscape. Learn more at www.southburyartsandculturealliance.org and follow “southburyarts” on Facebook and Instagram.