That's right ... we're planning another big blowout sale! We've got frames galore in all shapes, sizes, styles and materials, and we're eager to pass them along to you (cheap! cheap! cheap!). The blowout sale will take place Saturday, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the classroom area.

     

But this isn't going to be just any blowout; we're adding a fun twist this time around. Besides offering frames at the usual bargain prices, we'll be hosting a daylong silent auction featuring donated original* wall art.

 

How exactly will this work? Read on!

 

If you have original wall art

hanging around on your home, office or studio walls that's still perfectly wonderful, but feeling a tad stale to you, personally, set it free! Likewise, if you have art cluttering your closets, stashed in the attic, or otherwise not living up to its potential at your abode, bring it to the store's receiving area and we'll help find it a new, loving home. We'll accept donations through March 8.

  

While some wall-art donations will be sold outright along with frames at the Picture-frame Blowout, we'll reserve choice pieces for the silent auction. You can cast silent bids throughout the day, beginning at 10 a.m. Each piece will have an opening minimum bid of $5. Bidding closes at 2:30 p.m., and winning bids will be announced between 2:30 and 3 p.m. You need not be present to win, but must register with your contact information with us if you're bidding.

 

So, come to The I.D.E.A. Store's Picture-frame Blowout and Wall-art Auction on March 10, grab some great frame deals, bid away, and, hopefully, go home with new original art for your castle walls!

 

*Original wall art = one-of-a-kind art or artist-made limited edition prints, NOT mass-produced prints. We will gladly accept the latter, but it will not be considered for the silent auction.

 

By donating to and purchasing materials and items from The I.D.E.A. Store, you are promoting sustainability of our Earth's precious natural resources. Thank you!

 

If you'd like to learn more about how you can live in ways that conserve those resources for future generations, consider carpooling to Mattoon's Lake Land College campus on Wednesday, March 7, for the annual Energy Innovation Conference. The theme this year is "Sustainability - The Future Is Now."

 

Choose from an array of interesting, informative sessions, vendors, films, a wind-turbine debut and more, and visit The I.D.E.A. Store's booth. 

 

 

 

Go to the conference web site to see the entire schedule. 

 

(Editor's note: Thanks to backyard chicken herder Jill Miller of Urbana for the photo of one of her "girls.")

 

'Persephone's Treasures' set for April 20-21

Since "Merry Treasures," our December DIY craft bazaar was a big hit, we decided to roll out a similar event this spring. "Persephone's Treasures" - which takes its name from the Greek goddess of spring - will take place at The I.D.E.A. Store April 20-21 in conjunction with the Boneyard Arts Festival.

 

All vendor spots are currently full. But if you're a DIY crafter who makes and sells items made from mostly recycled/reused materials and would like to be placed on a wait list (in case there are cancellations), please ask for assistance at the store.

 

Watch future newsletters and our Facebook page for more news about "Persephone's Treasures"!

 

The Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation saw a need in the community to accomplish several things: 1.  Support the arts and arts education, 2.  Support environmental education in our communities, 3. Impact the environment by reducing the rate of waste disposal, 4. create a place for everyone to have access to quality materials and 5. Support itself in light of the difficult economic times.  So donate your discards and shop re-use.  Its about making a difference!

 www.cuSchoolsFoundation.org