UArts Salvage Sale Connects Former Students and Staff with Their Artwork and One Another

On a vibrant Saturday morning, the Thunderbird Salvage in Kensington buzzed with energy as former students, faculty, and artists gathered for a special event that felt reminiscent of a University of the Arts reunion. Long before the doors officially opened, attendees lined up on Frankford Avenue, eager to discover the treasures within. Many were particularly interested in reclaiming their own artworks that had been left behind in UArts’ Anderson Hall prior to the institution’s sudden closure last year. Others were drawn by the prospect of discounted art supplies and unique home décor pieces.

This initial day of the multi-day sale was designed to prioritize former students, staff, and alumni of the university, particularly those who did not have the opportunity to retrieve their belongings when UArts closed unexpectedly. Thunderbird Salvage, a business dedicated to salvaging and reselling art and equipment, helped facilitate this event by offering free returns of items to individuals who could prove ownership. Additional items were made available at significant discounts for attendees who were educators or current students.

Inside the salvage store, visitors were greeted by shelves brimming with an array of tools including brushes, hammers, and books, while an outdoor area overflowed with hundreds of artworks, from drawings to prints, all awaiting new homes. The atmosphere was lively, as shoppers navigated through eclectic displays, which included everything from painted skull sculptures to striking mannequins.

George Mathes, owner of Thunderbird Salvage, expressed contentment with the turnout, emphasizing that the sale was not intended for profit but to support the UArts community. In social media posts, Mathes underscored how the initiative aimed solely to provide assistance to former staff, students, and artists.

For many attendees, the event was not just about securing supplies but also served as an emotional homecoming. Maria Kortz, an illustration major who had to transfer to Temple University after UArts’ closure, shared her relief at being reunited with familiar items. She successfully recovered a large printing screen—an essential tool for her artistic endeavors—at a fraction of its regular cost.

Ben Feuerstein, a guitar performance major, noted that the event marked a rare gathering of the UArts community since the school’s closure. The event also attracted fellow artists like Shelby Jimenez, who graduated from Temple and was thrilled to discover a sturdy easel, and Sam Irvin, a current Moore College of Art and Design student who found an assortment of art supplies.

The pop-up sale is set to continue, offering more opportunities for enthusiastic shoppers on subsequent weekends. Further details can be found through Thunderbird’s social media platforms.

This community-centered initiative encapsulates the resilience of the Philadelphia arts scene, providing an important platform for reconnecting artists with their work while fostering a supportive environment in the wake of institutional upheaval.