Hello- I am an early childhood educator inspired by the schools in Reggio Emilia Italy. I am also on the board of our educators network here in Minneapolis (Reggio-Inspired Network of MN) In 2020, we began exploring the possibility of creating a Creative Materials reuse center here in Minneapolis, inspired by the Remida in Reggio. I formed a committee to dig in to ways we could create it and after 6 years, 2 moves and working little by little, we have a pretty wonderful space. It is open to the community one night a week. We offer workshops, have had tray workshops with seniors inspired by Nicoles work, and been part of camps for youth in the summer. I am excited to be here and learn from everyone! I took a video this evening of our space and some of the items we collect. Our items are available at a suggested donation of $10 for a large grocery bag or $5 for a small bag. We had some young creators in the lab tonight so I couldnt get a wide view of the space but it gives you an idea of what we have set up!

Last night my mom was at our house eating pistachios (and other snacks 😋) . When she was finished, instead of throwing the shells away, she gathered them into a little pile and said something like: "Oh, I better take these home. I can use them in my arrangement of 3." I LOVED this. It was such a simple example of "Material Awareness". They weren't just pistachio shells headed for the trash anymore. She was seeing them as materials full of possibilities. This is something I hope we begin doing here at MAP— developing a deciphering eye and beginning to notice the shapes, textures, colors and possibilities in ordinary objects we might overlook. Have you caught yourself looking at anything different lately? If you do, now or later, snap a photo and share it with us. I'd love to see what you're noticing. @Paola Lopez @Heidi Wolf @Ninon Gore @Angélique Rouet @Kris Francefort @Denise Torp @Dottie Podgorny @Kim Thomason @Maggie Guggenheimer @Elizabeth Girvan

Let's start by getting to know who's here! Take 5 seconds and choose the option that sounds most like you. When you think about "material arranging", who do you imagine exploring it with? I'm excited to see the mix of people and possibilities represented here.

If you are wondering where to begin, I've made it simple 🙂 Head over to the CLASSROOM and open "Start Here." You'll find a short Finding Your Way Around MAP video– MAP is simply short for The Material Arranging Project – that will give you a quick tour and help you get oriented. And here's a little visual to keep handy as you begin exploring. 🧡