In the capital of greed so pernicious that it’s wrecking lives around the world, two artists teased $9,000 out of Grants for Arts in Public Spaces and used it to open a Free Store.

"It's a good time to do a project like this, especially near Wall Street,” said co-owner Athena Robles. No one has any money now."

The magnanimous impulse of Robles and her partner, Anna Stein, is being rewarded in kind, by customers who replenish their stock with donated merchandise. Contributions aren’t required, but many patrons prefer the give-and-take of bartering over simply taking. (How’s that for embodying the change we most need today?)

No doubt some would see free stores as rivals to charities and churches that run thrift shops and giveaway programs, but really why should they hold a monopoly on circulating the items we can do without?  Too, there’s no stigma attached to receiving largesse that’s available to everyone (nor any chance of being evangelized, in exchange for a t-shirt).

Sure, some people would take unfair advantage when invited to grab whatever they need, but most of us still possess scruples, no matter what else we’ve lost.

In my view, Robles and Stein’s store is a fabulous model for communities everywhere.  While I’m conflicted about calling it “art”, it’s certainly a beautiful creation.  And it wouldn’t take a grant to start one – just a group of friends with things and time to give and someone who can be wheedled into supplying a storefront.  No shortage of empty retail space, is there?

Read more HERE and see if you also feel inspired.