Partner Spotlight: MECCA
By Amanda Lang • January 23, 2026
The "starving artist" stereotype is well-known. Housed folks often struggle to make an income through art. That difficulty is magnified for unhoused artists, for whom many basic resources are out of reach, including good-quality supplies, studio space, and art classes. For that reason, when CSS launched our new Arts Entrepreneurship Program this past summer, we knew we couldn't do it alone.
That's where the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts, MECCA for short, came in. Many locals know of MECCA as a store in Eugene that sells secondhand art supplies. But they do so much more than that.
Mitra Gruwell, MECCA's Community Engagement Coordinator, shares, "MECCA strives to create programming and remove barriers to art making for emerging artists and underrepresented populations. CSS serves a similar population for which art can be both healing and contribute to income. We have a crossover in our patrons, and have similar goals, which offers a good fit for collaboration between us."
Low-Cost Tools and Materials
MECCA's retail store operates entirely on donations. The ability for CSS clients to thrift for low-cost art supplies breaks down financial barriers to arts and creativity.
Space for Art Making in their Studio
Arts Entrepreneurship Program participants had free studio time every Friday at Radiant Community Arts—(read more about that awesome art partnership here)—but they didn't have to feel rushed or constrained by that schedule. MECCA provided additional studio time at their 555 High Street art center.
Education and Art Selling Opportunities
Before the CSS and MECCA partnership was born, Mitra was already running a professional development course called "How to Make Money from your Art and Crafts." She re-tooled the eight-week course to suit people who are unhoused, and it culminated in CSS clients selling their art during the Last Friday Art Walk in September.
Though the pilot program has ended, Mitra still maintains relationships with the CSS clients who took her class: "I see them shopping at MECCA, participating in our arts challenges, and performing at our openings." The partnership has not only offered entrepreneurial skills, but also a welcoming community to be a part of.
For our six pilot program graduates—Linda, Liam, Nate, Olivia, Alex, and Mary—our MECCA partner has taken them seriously as creatives and transformed their lives for the better.
CSS plans to run the Arts Entrepreneurship Program again in 2026, as well as co-produce future events with MECCA. Mitra shares, "We here at MECCA are delighted at the depth that has emerged from our relationship with CSS and the artists they serve. We are very excited for future collaborations and grateful for our newly forged partnership."
Stay tuned as we continue to work together with MECCA to make the art world more accessible to Eugene's unhoused!
Nature's Symphony
Graduation for the first Arts Entrepreneurship program! Linda, Liam, Nate, Olivia, and Alex attended, received certificates, and shared pizza. Mary, recently housed, was not in attendance.
Sands of Time
In November, MECCA held their annual Object Afterlife fundraiser. Two musical acts from the CSS client population were invited to perform at the event and play for tips. Tori played the keyboard and sang from their extensive catalog of songs, and Liam played the violin as part of the local duo, the Medicinal Weeds.
Faces of Humanity
Mary made a traveling jewelry case as a result of the program.
Beyond Boundaries
Six clients had artwork to sell at the night market in the Whiteaker community. Everyone made at least one sale! From Liam after the event: “Thanks for a great experience, made it home happy.”
Faces of Humanity
Here's the inside of the traveling jewlery case Mary created.
Nature's Symphony
Nate lost all of his artwork due to sweeps, theft, and damage from exposure to the elements. Now that he is sheltered, he has resumed his artistic endeavors. He sold $70 worth of artwork at the Whiteaker night market event.
Sands of Time
Liam, who is interested in etymology, creates works that stitch together new concepts from existing words.
Beyond Boundaries
Linda's handmade wood-and-bead jewelry became a lifeline for her after her home burned down three years ago.
You Gotta Nourish to Flourish
Want to support the Arts Entrepreneurship program? All donations to the Community Supported Shelters Nourish Fund are directed toward nourishing the lives of unhoused individuals through open art studio classes, music lessons, peer-led support groups, employment prep, and more.
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