Arts & Sustainability
The Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley Arts & Sustainability Program builds stronger communities through creativity. Through local art, creative reuse, educational programs, and community partnerships, we’re making creativity, sustainability, and original art accessible to everyone while supporting Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope.
More Than Art
About the Program
Throughout history, art has brought people together, told stories, preserved culture, inspired change, and strengthened communities. Art gives people a way to express who they are and imagine what their community can become.
At Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley, we use art in the same way.
The Arts & Sustainability Program uses creativity as a catalyst for connection. Every gallery exhibition, workshop, student contest, homeschool class, community event, and public art project creates opportunities for people to learn, create, volunteer, and invest in one another.
Art is simply the medium. Community is the outcome.
Just as Habitat makes homeownership affordable through volunteer labor, donated materials, and community partnerships, we believe creativity, original art, and beautiful homes should also be within everyone’s reach.
Three Beliefs
Our Philosophy
Local
Strong communities invest in local people.
We celebrate North Alabama’s artists, makers, educators, and creative entrepreneurs by providing opportunities to exhibit their work, teach others, and become part of a growing community that values creativity as an essential part of healthy neighborhoods.
Sustainable
Every material has the potential for a second life.
Inspired by the Habitat ReStore’s mission of reuse, we transform donated furniture, building materials, architectural salvage, and everyday objects into opportunities for creativity. By repurposing what already exists, we reduce waste while demonstrating that sustainability can be both practical and beautiful.
Affordable
Beauty should never be a luxury.
Habitat believes everyone deserves an affordable home. We believe those homes should also be places of creativity, dignity, and beauty. Whether someone learns to refinish a piece of furniture, creates art from reclaimed materials, or purchases an original piece from a local artist, we strive to make beautiful spaces and meaningful artwork accessible to every family—not just those with the largest budgets.
Building Community
Experience Arts and Sustainability
The Arts & Sustainability Program creates experiences that connect people while advancing Habitat’s mission.
The ReStore Art Gallery
A welcoming space where local artists share their work, community members discover original art, and every exhibition supports Habitat’s mission.
Creative Workshops
Hands-on classes that teach furniture refinishing, upcycling, creative reuse, and artistic techniques that help participants create beautiful homes while embracing sustainability.
Community Events
Artist talks, exhibitions, demonstrations, family activities, and seasonal events that bring neighbors together through creativity.
School & Youth Programs
Student art contests, educational partnerships, homeschool classes, and creative learning experiences that inspire the next generation of artists, environmental stewards, and community leaders.
Community Art Projects
Collaborative installations and public art that celebrate our shared stories while creating stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
Every program is designed with one purpose: to use creativity to strengthen our community.
Who It’s For
Everyone Has a Place Here
Whether you’re an artist, student, volunteer, educator, collector, maker, or simply someone who believes creativity makes communities stronger, the Arts & Sustainability Program welcomes you.
There are opportunities to:
- Exhibit your artwork
- Attend workshops and community events
- Participate in school and homeschool programs
- Volunteer your time and talents
- Learn creative skills through sustainable practices
- Support local artists while supporting Habitat’s mission
Get Involved
Upcoming Events
Sara Julia Murphy Gallery
August 15, 2026 – September 30, 2026
Steven Tétte
October 15, 2026 – December 15, 2026
Workshops coming soon!
Join the Creative Community
Whether you’d like to exhibit your work, teach a workshop, volunteer at an event, sponsor a program, or simply learn more, we’d love to connect with you.
Complete the interest form below and our Arts & Sustainability team will share upcoming opportunities to create, learn, and serve alongside your community.
Thank you to our sponsors!
