UArts closure leaves many students’ artworks abandoned; Thunderbird Salvage seeks to reunite them with their creators.
Thunderbird Salvage, a company specializing in historic preservation and thrift operations, has garnered attention for its innovative approach to repurposing materials from sites earmarked for demolition or renovation. With two locations along Frankford Avenue, Thunderbird recently showcased its latest acquisition through an Instagram reel, announcing that it was cleaning out University Arts Anderson Hall and inviting the community to claim any items of interest.
Dwight Property Group, which recently acquired the former University of the Arts (UArts) classroom and workshop space, plans to transform Anderson Hall into mid-market luxury apartments overlooking the Avenue of the Arts. As part of this redevelopment initiative, Joe Michalski, a construction manager at Dwight, offered Thunderbird owner George Mathes the opportunity to salvage art and other potentially valuable items from the building.
Since UArts abruptly closed its doors last year, equipment and materials have accumulated within the once-bustling space. During a recent visit to Anderson Hall, Mathes discovered a wealth of artistic treasures, including drawings, sculptures, and various forms of creative expression that had been left behind. This initiative is not just about salvaging; Mathes emphasized the goal of finding a home for these items and repurposing them for the community’s benefit.
Unlike traditional thrift operations that rely primarily on donations, Thunderbird Salvage actively seeks out valuable items in spaces slated for renovation or demolition. Within days of announcing their salvage operation on social media, Thunderbird received an influx of comments, showcasing community interest and engagement. Mathes noted that the vastness of Anderson Hall meant that not all items could be cataloged immediately, leading to a treasure hunt for former UArts students and community members.
As items are salvaged, Mathes plans to relocate them to Thunderbird’s sales locations at a church and hall on Frankford Avenue for a sale scheduled for mid-August. In a unique move, if any artist lays claim to a specific piece of their work, they can reclaim it free of charge. Thunderbird staff are prepared to assist artists in locating their former belongings, ensuring a thoughtful and respectful reclamation process.
UArts’ swift closure last summer prevented many students and faculty from retrieving their belongings, leaving a sense of loss pervasive among those affected. While some items were auctioned off, the swift transition of UArts buildings to new owners has left uncertainty among students regarding the retrieval of their art.
Amid the ongoing clean-out, Mathes remains focused on his mission to save pieces of history that may otherwise be lost. Workers from Richard S. Burns Waste Recycling Company are preparing to haul away items that cannot be salvaged, but Mathes is determined to minimize waste and preserve what remains valuable to the community.
Thunderbird Salvage’s initiative not only highlights the importance of repurposing materials but also serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and artistic legacy left behind in the wake of institutional changes.
