In Episode 52 of Inside the Frame Podcast, we sit down with Zarla Ludin, founder of The Spare Studio in Rockland, MA. Zarla is reimagining how artists and the community access creative resources by combining an art supply store with a creative reuse center and a growing maker space.
Building a Creative Hub on the South Shore
The Spare Studio officially opened its doors in July 2024, nestled inside the historic Wright Building in Rockland. What started as a vision to fill the South Shore’s “art supply desert” has evolved into something much larger. Zarla recognized that while countless artists live and work in the area, access to affordable, reliable art materials was limited. By sourcing both donated and secondhand supplies, The Spare Studio is making art more accessible while also keeping thousands of pounds of usable materials out of landfills.
From Drop-Off Events to Community Resource
Zarla began by hosting small drop-off events at local bookstores and community spaces, where people donated unused or gently used art materials. The response was overwhelming. Her very first event brought in 150 pounds of supplies, and subsequent collections filled entire vans.
Today, The Spare Studio has received over 5,000 pounds of donations, including everything from oil paints and pastels to brushes, paper, and craft supplies.
Much of this material is made available to local artists, students, and teachers at low or no cost. Teachers and nonprofits in particular benefit from the abundance of resources, enabling them to introduce creative projects without straining their budgets.
Beyond Supplies: A Space for Experimentation
The Spare Studio is not just about distributing supplies. Zarla envisions it as a maker space for experimentation, a place where artists can try out new media without the upfront investment. From oil paints to printmaking kits, the studio offers opportunities for hands-on exploration. Local artists are also invited to develop mini-curricula or demonstrations, creating an educational layer where community members can learn directly from practicing creatives.
This model fosters collaboration while also ensuring artists are compensated for their time and knowledge. The result is a dynamic hub where creativity and sustainability intersect.
Partnerships and Community Impact
The Spare Studio partners with local organizations like Launch, which provides vocational opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Participants help sort and repurpose supplies, transforming them into new products that can be sold at farmers’ markets and community events.
Zarla also collaborates with regional art associations, schools, and sustainable living groups to amplify the impact of creative reuse. Her efforts are helping to build a circular economy for art, one where supplies are continually repurposed and shared, enriching the entire South Shore community.
A Personal Artistic Touch
Though much of her focus is on community building, Zarla remains an artist herself. She creates detailed representational works, such as her striking painting of a female cardinal on handmade paper crafted from junk mail and her children’s school worksheets. This blend of artistry and sustainability reflects the ethos of The Spare Studio: making beauty from what might otherwise be discarded.
At Frame Center, we share Zarla’s belief in supporting creativity at every level. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a teacher seeking resources, or simply looking to explore the world of art, we encourage you to check out The Spare Studio and join us in celebrating local creativity.
And when your masterpiece is ready to display, Frame Center is here to help you preserve and showcase it beautifully. Visit us today to see how we can support your next creative project.
