Explore Ecology Is Our New Name
Art From Scrap is different from other arts entities in the South Coast as we are not limited to aesthetic endeavors. For the past twenty-one years, we have combined art and environmental awareness and promoted both caring for the planet and creative expression. To better represent the range of our programs and to strengthen community awareness of our environmental education mission, we are changing our name from Art from Scrap to Explore Ecology.
The Art From Scrap ReUse Store, art center, and gallery play a major role in providing Santa Barbarans with a source of affordable and sustainable art supplies, waste reduction environmental education, weekly art workshops and an art gallery. Explore Ecology’s Executive Director Cay Sanchez says, “Protecting existing programs is important and Art From Scrap will be here for years to come. While Art From Scrap is well known for our ReUse retail store and arts center, we also conduct reduce, reuse, recycle field trips at the AFS Center for thousands of students each year.” Our Reuse Store, art center and gallery will still be called Art From Scrap.
Environmental education is one of our primary programs. Every year over 12,000 students engage in hands-on activities and learning experiences focused on solid waste management and water quality issues. Our education programs help people understand how environmental topics are interconnected and how their personal actions can improve the environment.
We also operate the Watershed Resource Center at Arroyo Burro Beach, a site for school and community education programs, connecting clean creeks and healthy ocean waters with our personal habits.
Over the past 21 years our innovative and creative approach to teaching the value of protecting and preserving our environment has been a key component in creating the strong environmental ethos and awareness that exists in Santa Barbara County. As Explore Ecology we will continue to motivate and inspire a new generation. Sanchez says, “We are thrilled to have evolved into Explore Ecology. As advocates of environmental education and art discovery, we’re so proud to be acknowledging the breadth and depth of our services. We want to thank the community for their continued support and participation with us over the past twenty one years. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating our evolution into Explore Ecology.”
Joey is grateful to have grown up with an abundance of nature around him and is happiest in the water or in the sun. From a young age, Joey felt a responsibility to take care of the Earth in return for all the ways she has taken care of him. This led Joey to pursue a degree in
I love coming to work and getting pets from everyone. In my spare time, I like to sleep, eat, hike, and explore nature. Did I say eat and sleep?
Emma Serr is an artist and a student studying Studio Art at SBCC. Emma has a background in art and customer service, having worked as a camp counselor at sewing camp and assistant for sewing events and classes, and display manager and cashier in previous positions, and was recently a nanny to several young children. Emma first found us as a customer who loved what Art From Scrap represents!
Veronica grew up in San Diego and spent her last four years in San Luis Obispo studying Animal Science at Cal Poly. As an undergrad she learned lots about livestock, agriculture, and wildlife. Veronica is very passionate about conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Veronica has spent many summers working in environmental education at various zoos and museums and loves introducing kids to the plants and animals that coexist with us. In her free time, she likes to sit at the beach and read, take dance classes, roller skate, and walk around fancy neighborhoods to look at the houses.
Lu’s love of all things Earth began at James Madison University in Virginia, where they got their Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Lu has a Master’s degree in Spatial Ecology- the study of how creatures interact across landscapes- from East Carolina University, where they studied rock pools along a river and the critters that dwell in them. Lu is thrilled to be teaching budding scientists about the Earth and why it’s important for us to protect and preserve the environment. 
Lydia
Jenny joined Explore Ecology first as an Environmental Educator, then as a Program Coordinator, and most recently moved into the newly created Programs, People & Culture position. Prior to Explore Ecology Jenny worked in science research and consulting, however her passion has always been science education and outreach. Jenny loves all things related to the ocean, especially free diving, and enjoying the beauty and wonder that is the underwater world. Her greatest life passion is traveling, which she hopes to do more of again soon.
Ian Docktor
MELISSA BROOKS
Lindsay Johnson