Creative Imagination at the Muckenthaler

The Muck is a cultural center housed in a historic 1920's mansion in the heart of Fullerton. The center hosts exhibitions, performances and educational programs.
Visit: www.TheMuck.org

The mission of The Muckenthaler is to provide the public with experiences that stimulate creativity and imagination, while conserving the heritage and architecture of the Muckenthaler Estate.

We recently donated some of our material remnants (coils, latex and fabric) to this amazing organization and are proud to support their engaging educational programs to Orange County’s diverse communities and beyond.
These slippers were made by young students currently in homeless shelters and refugee centers. With a little bit of imagination and creativity, they transformed the foam from our mattresses into cozy house slippers! 

The Muck says "We are a celebration of the human spirit through the arts" and we are so happy to be a small part of this.  

At the Muckenthaler Multi-Arts Summer Camp, Lead Artist Marsha Judd inspired students to use their imaginations as they created whimsical wire sculptures with our coils!
Watch this video: https://youtu.be/ApC6LOPtXII

Upcycling for the Fiber Artist

Hanna Adler left her life as a veterinarian in native Finland to our doorsteps in Southern California. 

She is a wonderful water colorist who has a new passion for felting.  Hanna recently visited our factory to pick up some remnants of quilted organic cotton, wool, and camel.  We are so excited about her fabulous Rock Rug creation made from remnants of our Merino Wool!

Remnant discards of quilted cotton, wool, and camel are available free to pick up from the factory in Ontario, California.  The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas we have saved for you "What can I do with that wool and fiber?". 

Simply send an email to bestaffwriter@berkeleyergo.com with the subject "Upcylables for pickup".  We will gladly accommodate you on a 1st come basis each Friday.

Upcycling to Play Pads

The talented Laura has used remnants of our quilted panels of wool, organic cotton, and camel to create a wonderful pad for the grand-babies.   The adorable Chiara and Thanos will have hours of fun on their new double-sided play mat grandma made especially for them.  

See what an idea, some creativity, and a whole lot of love can do, thanks Laura.

Upcycling into Furniture

Made with used pallets by Jessica Solis

Today we'd like to share with you an inspired piece of furniture created and built by Jessica Solis made with used pallets (bottom part) from our warehouse. 

It is amazing to see how some used pallets can be transformed into a functional and unique piece of furniture. We are impressed!   

Upcycling ...art with Jackie

Artist Jackie Bell Johnson.  The piece is called "Beauty is the Beast" and can be seen at The Brand Library and Art Center 🔗.  Jackie used pieces of organic cotton fabric, Merino Wool, and Camel wool from our factory. 

Kisses: 5 Cents

Wendy La Croix is a mixed media artist in Southern California. 

She has used the Berkeley Ergonomics mattress pillow top wool to stuff the fabric piece then added stick pins to it.  Wendy calls her piece "Kisses: 5 Cents" and it’s meant to hold little notes or memorabilia ...or whatever suits your fancy! 

You can find Wendy's artwork on her Mixed Media art site:  www.badgirlscouture.com

Upcycling into art with Uncle Bacon

We have been recycling paper, plastic and metal for many years but it has been difficult to find ways to recycle some of the other materials that are generated during our manufacturing process or we receive as part of packaging.

We contacted some local artists to show them what we have and Bob Hurton, our favorite print artist, and several of his students printed some of their creations on wood panels we receive as dividers on our wood shipments. 

Bob is currently teaching at The Garcia Center for the Arts in San Bernardino.  Check out his upcoming workshop Introduction to Linocut Relief Printmaking here: Bob's Linocut 🔗

---

Wood: Reuse it!

Danny Parks makes custom signs, art pieces, and projects from wood.  He was able to take some Berkeley Ergonomic wood discards and create this piece.  This particular piece has dowels for strong joints and a fine craftsman finish.

It could be used for candles, LED lights, or fresh flowers.  All you need is a fresh idea!  You can reach him at dayspringslk178@gmail.com.