By Ronai Rivera
The TCA Don’t Quit Foundation is proud to partner with GoggleWorks Center for the Arts to present ArtCycle: Transforming Trash Into Treasure, a six-session creative wellness program running from Saturday, March 14, through Saturday, April 18. The sessions are geared for ages 12+ and will be held on Saturdays from 3-6 p.m. at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
Led by award-winning muralist Theron Cook, ArtCycle invites youth, teens, and adults (ages 12+) to explore upcycling through hands-on artmaking, transforming recycled materials into meaningful, functional art pieces — later installing them throughout Reading parks to inspire better recycling practices. The program blends creativity, environmental awareness, and mental wellness while encouraging participants to rethink waste and embrace sustainability through artistic expression.
“This partnership with GoggleWorks allows us to bring our mission to life in a powerful way,” said Theron, Founder and President, TCA Don’t Quit Foundation. “ArtCycle is about more than recycling; it’s about creativity, community pride, and showing people the value in what’s often overlooked.”
As part of the collaboration, GoggleWorks will offer five scholarships to local students to ensure accessibility and broaden participation in the program.
“We are thrilled to host the ArtCycle class this spring in partnership with the TCA Don’t Quit Foundation,” said Emily Thiel, Programs Manager, GoggleWorks.“This class gets to the heart of what community connection is all about–blending environmental awareness with creating pieces of public art that you’ll be able to see right in our local parks. Scholarships are available, so anyone interested can join in on this hands-on class for free!”
ArtCycle is open to all skill levels and will feature weekly projects focused on sustainability, creative problem-solving, and community impact.
The cost of the program is $229.50 for members and $270.00 for non-members. For registration and additional information about scholarship opportunities, visit goggleworks.org.
TCA Don’t Quit Foundation is a Reading, PA-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through artistic expression, mental wellness, and creative education. Founded by award-winning muralist Theron Cook, the foundation creates accessible programs that use art as a tool for healing, connection, and community transformation. To learn more, visit tcadontquit.org.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a nonprofit cultural campus located in downtown Reading, PA, housed in a former goggle factory spanning nearly an entire city block. Serving over 250,000 visitors annually, GoggleWorks offers robust arts education, exhibitions, studio spaces, youth programs, community outreach, and creative resources that support artists, learners, and the greater community. To learn more, visit goggleworks.org.
