Proceeds from art ‘fire sale’ to support those impacted by Oregon District fire

Credit: Photo courtesy of Mike Elsass

Credit: Photo courtesy of Mike Elsass

How about this for accuracy in advertising? Artwork up for grabs at a First Friday art “fire sale” was actually part of a fire.

Dayton artist Mike Elsass is organizing a "fire sale" of works that had been been up for sale as part of Front Street Experience, a showcase in Spice Paradise in Dayton's Oregon District.

>> Multiple Oregon District businesses to be closed for months after destructive fire; owners vow to return

Spice Paradise and about a half dozen other nearby businesses received smoke damage when fire broke out at in Salar Restaurant and Lounge, 400 E. Fifth St., early Friday, Dec. 29.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to support Salar employees left out of work due to the blaze.

Works from Elsass, artists Darren HaperTony LeeJanet Garlikov and others will be sold for 20 to 80 percent off starting at noon Friday, Jan. 5 at Front Street, 1001 E. Second St. 

>> Fund set up to help those impacted by New Year’s Eve weekend blaze

The sale will be on the third floor of building 100. Enter through door BC until March, Elsass said. Appointments to see the art can be arranged by calling 937-266-3491.

Elsass said half of the 24 pieces were in the fire. Some of the canvas works have smoke damage.

Elsass, who works mainly with metals, said the work was not damaged, but will be on sale.

>> Longtime Oregon District business being sold
"You can't hurt steel," he said.

Elsass’ work typically sells for $3,000 or $4,000.

A canvas piece from another artist was originally $8,000.

The community has been fast to offer support to those impacted by the blaze.

Val Hunt Beerbower, a spokeswoman for the Downtown Dayton Partnership, said Oregon District businesses band together in times of crisis.  

"When you are a small business you are part of a community," she said. "People tend to work together there (the Oregon District). Support poured out the the woodwork."

Much of the support is person-to-person and out of public sight, she said.

HOW TO HELP 

A bingo fundraiser is planned from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 8 at Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., to support about 35 Salar employees out of work due to the fire.

An ongoing GoFundMe fundraiser has collected more than $6,000.

Impacted businesses also include Hicks Barber Shop & Shave ParlorAddison Home Health ServicesThe Scenery and Canary Consulting.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Mike Elsass

Credit: Photo courtesy of Mike Elsass

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