The Southbury Record

New Community Artists’ Pantry to Support Local Creativity

Southbury Record

SACA Community Artists’ Pantry Committee: (Left to right): Kristen Angell Iseppi, Sherrie Romano (Co-Chair), Kelly Keenan. Not pictured: Barbara Phillips (Co-Chair) (SACA Photo)

Fresh off officially gaining nonprofit status earlier this month, the Southbury Arts & Culture Alliance (SACA) has announced its newest initiative: the SACA Community Artists’ Pantry, a program aimed at making art supplies more accessible to local residents.

The pantry will collect new or gently used arts and crafts supplies, which will then be redistributed at free community shopping days.

Donations can be dropped off at a number of local partner locations, including:

  • The Cottage at Main Cooperative (540 Main St. South)
  • Vicinanza Art Gallery and Studios (493 Heritage Rd., Suite 4C)
  • Southbury Parks and Recreation Office (561 Main St. South)
  • Barnes & Noble – Southbury (775 Main St. South)
  • More locations to be announced.

SACA’s first Free Pantry Shopping Day is slated for Friday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with location details to be announced at a later date.

Members of the nonprofit said that this idea was sparked from community feedback, with residents signaling a willingness to give their unused supplies a new life.

“Our goal is simple: to make creativity accessible to everyone,” said Sherrie Romano, SACA Vice President and Pantry Co-Chair. “Art supplies can be costly, and we know that creative expression is vital for emotional well-being. The Artists’ Pantry helps remove barriers so more people can create.”

Barbara Phillips, the Pantry Co-Chair, says this project reflects the nonprofit’s mission to promote and support arts and culture through community events and equitable access to creative resources.

“Whether you’re an artist in need or someone with materials to share, you’re part of building a more vibrant and inclusive arts community,” said Phillips.

Residents are encouraged to look for SACA’s signature donation bins at participating locations and to follow the Alliance on social media for updates on future events and needs. 

For more information. to get involved, or to suggest a future donation site, contact info@southburyartsandculturealliance.org.

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