Practical Art kicks off 5,000 can and bottle recycling initiative benefitting Phoenix Art Museum
Founded by the late attorney and philanthropist Jane Reddin, Practical Art, a craft retail and gallery space in Central Phoenix, is spearheading a two-month long recycling drive honoring Reddin’s memory. With a goal of 5,000 empty aluminum cans and bottles, the effort will raise funds for the Phoenix Art Museum, where Reddin sat on the board of many Phoenix Art Museum Support Organizations. The drive kicked off this month and will continue through April 10, 2012 culminating in a dinner celebration honoring Reddin’s contributions to the Phoenix philanthropic community.
Lisa Olson, co-owner of Practical Art, worked closely with Reddin and embraces Reddin’s philanthropic and artistic enthusiasm. Olson assumed ownership in January 2011 carrying on the vision of the local retail and gallery space. The cultural underpinning for the Phoenix art community, Practical Art is a well known first gallery experience for many up and coming artists in the Valley and has helped launch Valley favorites including Ray Delmuro, whose glassware is used in Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants, Annette Weaver and Troy Moody who designed the artistic terrazzo flooring at the remodeled Phoenix Convention Center.
“Through this effort we pay tribute to two of Jane’s passions: the Phoenix art community and environmental stewardship,” says Practical Art co-owner Lisa Olson. “We feel honored to continue Jane’s legacy which embraced local artisans. Because of her love and dedication, she championed so much for the Phoenix art community, and as her successors at Practical Art, the recycling drive remembers Jane but also thanks her in a way that would bring a smile to her face.”
A true asset to the Phoenix community, Jane Reddin spent a significant portion of her life helping others. After a 20-year law career, she retired as a partner at Phoenix law firm Lewis & Roca. She also served on boards of many notable organizations including Foundation for Blind Children, ALS Association, Valley of the Sun United Way, the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, Local First Arizona, and the Phoenix Art Museum’s Contemporary Forum, Arizona Costume Institute, and Circles of Support. Combining her support of local purveyors and love of art, she conceptualized Practical Art and opened its doors in April 2008 in uptown Phoenix. Three years later, Jane lost her fight with leukemia.
“Jane Reddin was a much valued and much loved part of the Museum’s family,” says Phoenix Art Museum Director Jim Ballinger. “Her enthusiasm for contemporary art and fashion design was infectious, and her willingness to pitch in to bring projects to fruition was tremendous. We are so pleased to remember Jane in this way.”
The result of Reddin’s vision, Practical Art is a unique craft shop that features 100 percent locally made wares in ceramic, wood, fiber, & glass by over 70 artisans. Carrying one-of-a-kind kitchen items, soap, furniture, jewelry, and other gift ideas, the shop focuses on functional items made for practical use.
“A recycling drive exemplifies Jane’s spirit and is the subject of one of my favorite Jane Reddin Stories,” says Olson. “Because of her environmental passion, when Practical Art opened she worked tirelessly to get a recycling service and bin for the store. The process was cumbersome and time-consuming, but she was thrilled when the bin arrived. She protected it like a child and checked its contents daily. If there were non-recyclable items in the bin, she would haul them out. It made for a funny sight but a testament to her steadfast beliefs. This drive is a small way to honor a great Phoenix woman.”
PRACTICAL ART
5070 North Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012.
602.264.1414
Practical-Art.com
Facebook.com/PracticalArt
