M.E.C.C.A., the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts, is a nonprofit organization located in Eugene, Oregon.

Our mission is to divert reusable materials from the landfill and put those items back into the hands of people that can make use of them, from artists and teachers to youth and their parents.

We are dedicated to providing access to low-cost arts education and art experiences in an inclusive environment that reflects the personality of our community.

The Store
MECCA operates a recycled art supply store where you can find fun materials such as flooring and wallpaper samples, corks and bottle caps, glass and ceramic pieces, fabric scraps, used cards and calendars, and much more. We collect these items from Lane County businesses, artists, and individuals; most of what we sell would have been destined for the trash bin if it hadn't found its way onto our shelves!

Community Workshops
Our eclectic collection of "junk" provides an abundant resource for all manner of creative endeavor. At a MECCA workshop, you might learn to make scarves out of fleece scraps, weave baskets out of telephone wire, turn Altoid tins into pocket shrines, or forge jewelry out of bottle caps. By encouraging the creative reuse of scraps and discards, MECCA offers a low-cost and environmentally friendly way for people to express themselves artistically.

Network Charter School Classes
Beginning in September 2003 MECCA began teaching classes to middle and high school students as part of the Network Charter School (NCS). NCS provides opportunities for experiential work projects in local non-profits and small businesses, and stimulates students to take responsibility for their own learning. We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking educational model.