WashArts holds estate sale
Elizebeth Wheeler of Pittsburgh browses through the drawing pads and brushes during at WashArts estate sale on Friday.
Daniel Chesky with J.D. Llama Appraisal & Estate Services, organizese merchandise during the WashArts estate sale on Friday.
Debbie Smith, left, and Sue Ralston, both of Washington, carry art supplies that they bought at WashArts estate sale.
With closure upon them, WashArts directors were looking for a miracle.
“Some board (members) wanted to hang on to this or that in case some angel appeared with a thick wallet,” said Bracken Burns. “The angels haven’t appeared yet, so we had to face reality.”
A nonprofit founded in 2002, WashArts, or Washington Community Arts and Cultural Center, offered youth and adult classes in painting, pottery, dance, music and other arts, before closing in September due to a lack of funds.
The organization strived to provide classes for all, regardless of their ability to pay. Eventually, though, they were unable to pay the costs associated with operations.
“WashArts meant a lot to the community and the community meant a lot to WashArts,” Burns said. “But it became painfully obvious a year or two ago that the support wasn’t there to pay the bills.”
An estate sale continues Saturday, featuring almost everything in the building at 70 S. Main St., at a discounted price. Burns, a member of the board of directors and former Washington County commissioner, said all assets will be used to satisfy debts.
A grand piano, loom, office supplies, furniture, costumes, kitchen supplies, lawn mower, tools, church pews, work by local artists and students, musical instruments and every type of art supply will be available for purchase from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with greater discounts given after noon.
The sprawling one-story building is also up for sale.
WashArts moved from its space in a historic, Italian Renaissance building on West Beau Street to the current location in 2012.
Its large rooms served the organization well, with ample space for creative endeavors.
Shoppers perused the items Friday, some buying to keep a part of WashArts with them, some there for specific items.
“People have stuff in their hands and a tear in their eye,” said Burns, who purchased a few mementos before leaving.
Judi Stadler of J.D. Llama Estate Sales, who ran the sale, said big items like kilns were gone early Friday morning.
“People are buying a ton of things,” she said. “Some people who taught here or took classes here have been by, some last-minute Christmas shoppers, too.”