Eureka Crafts became involved with CERF when the nonprofit sent out a letter to galleries across the country proposing that September be a month for CERF, said Eureka Crafts co-owner Tina Parker. Many galleries give in different ways, but “we are the only ones that do this crazy thing,” said Parker. Now that the sale is in its ninth year, its planners have gotten good at preparing.
“We accumulate seconds from artists through the course of the year,” said Parker. Seconds are pieces that are imperfect from nicks and scratches or that were damaged in production. Parker prefers to run a seconds sale: “I vehemently oppose asking artists to donate anything,” she said.
Since all of the art for sale is of less than perfect quality, the artists represented wish to remain anonymous. “The artists don’t want us to have their names on them,” said Parker. “Some things are really lovely.” Among the goods for sale this year are pottery, glass, jewelry and even a little leatherwork. Parker said that the crafts will also include an assortment of things not usually sold in the store, and to expect the unusual.
In previous years, Eureka Crafts’ sale has provided considerable funding for CERF. In the sidewalk sale’s eight-year history, Eureka Crafts has donated more than $17,000 to the nonprofit. Last year the sale earned more than $3,000, and the goal is higher this year. “It’s a very reputable thing,” noted Parker. “There’s no way we can cut a check to these people for $5,000, but we can do this.”
It is only fitting that craft galleries across the country support CERF. “It is by craft people for craft people in emergency. Because we’re craft people, we understand that craft people don’t get the kind of coverage they need,” said Parker.
The Seconds for CERF Sidewalk Sale will be held at Eureka Crafts, 210 Walton St., on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 14, 1 to 5 p.m. “It’s fun, and 100 percent of what we sell goes to CERF,” said Parker. “It would be nice if we could do more.”
—Paul Jivoff
