About

Explore Ecology delivers a variety of environmental education programs to encourage creative thinking through science exploration and art discovery. Our work combines environmental awareness and artistic creativity to create a connection between people and their environment. Explore Ecology address how individuals can effect positive environmental change, with a focus on teaching about the interconnectedness of environmental issues.

Explore Ecology helps students understand how environmental topics are interconnected and how their actions can help improve the environment. Our environmental education programs reach up to 12,000 students in Santa Barbara County through lessons and field trips covering the topics of Natural Resources, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Compost, Water Quality, and School Gardens. Explore Ecology also manages the South Coast Watershed Resource Center.

Art From Scrap ReUse Store- Practice Reuse, support the environment, and have fun while selecting from an amazing array of items. Art From Scrap’s ReUse store keeps thousands of pounds of clean, reusable materials from ending up in the Santa Barbara County landfill each year. All kinds of treasures donated by local businesses and individuals – from tiles and tape, to paper and picture frames, to fabric and film reels, to beads and burlap bags - are available as the perfect low-cost option for theater & art projects, Halloween costumes, Solstice floats, party decorations, and other creative endeavors.

Art From Scrap Art Workshops- Art From Scrap holds art workshops at the AFS Art Center almost every Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00. Join an Art From Scrap staff member or a visiting Guest Artist to make a different project each week – or complete any work of art inspired by the variety of unique items you will find in the art workshop.

Birthday Party, Special Occasions and Space Rentals- The AFS Art Center is the perfect party place – for both children and adults. An AFS staff person will assist your guests as they create art projects of their choice, using hundreds of different art materials.

The AFS Gallery- Located upstairs at the Santa Barbara Art From Scrap Art Center, the Art from Scrap (AFS) Gallery surrounds our Art Workshop, providing inspiration to both children and adults alike as they create their own works of art.The AFS Gallery offers local artists a unique space dedicated to assemblage and other art forms. Rotating shows hang throughout the year bringing together art lovers, collectors and local artists.