Where most would see junk, Mitchell Pennell sees something beautiful about to happen.
This Aurora native started Lost and Found from scratch three years ago in Chicago. Lost and Found is a non-profit organization dedicated to creative transformation of thrown away items to treasured artwork of considerable worth.
“We create value, which in turn provides creative opportunities to build and support the community,” says Pennell in a letter on the Lost and Found website.
The organization not only makes art, but jobs for artists, seamstresses, carpenters and other craftsmen. The finished works are sold through limited retail stores as well as on the website. All proceeds go toward the educational outreach, which will start early next year.
This outreach will include classes and workshops for children and adults, focusing on reusable products such as plastics, paper, glass, electronic parts, textiles and natural fibers. Pennell’s letter reports the organization has formed partnerships with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Hawthorne Scholastic Academy. He said he hopes this program will only continue to grow.
“We still have a long, long way to go,” he said. “This all is just living proof to not give up and follow your passion.”
Pennell said a real crime going on right now is the disappearance and cut-backs of creative and artistic programs across the nation. One of his organization’s goals is to help this not happen.
“We function on creativity,” he said, referring to we as society as a whole.
Pennell lived in Carthage for six years, and was a visual designer under Sam Butcher for Precious Moments for more than a year.
He also owned and operated Kringle & Company south of Carthage, which focused on home furnishings.
“I had a great cliental and some great friends there,” Pennell said. “It was a great experience.”
It was after this experience, 15 years ago, he moved to Chicago and from there, it’s been the American dream come true. Pennell is good friends with Paula Deen. Yes, Paula Deen the celebrity chef. He was a featured guest on the Food Network Emmy-winning "Paula's Best Dishes" with Paula Deen, which will air this spring. The Kaleidoscope Christmas tree skirt, made from discarded men's neckties, is featured in the 2010 November/December issue of “Cooking With Paula Deen” magazine.
“It is a privilege and a treat to be in her bandwagon of friends,” Pennell said, who also added she is as genuine and sweet in real life as she is on her show.
Right now, Pennell has six to 12 people in the creative studio focusing on the production of the Christmas tree skirts, being sold for $1200.
For more information, how to give money or item donations, and to see more art of the Lost and Found organization, visit www.chicagolostandfound.com
