— from James Hardman —
Restoration of the Strawberry Barreling Building in Olga has begun, and the 45 members of the Orcas Island Artworks hope to move back into the building by early 2015.
The historic barn, home to the cooperative gallery for 33 years, was severely damaged in a fire on July 19, 2013. The fire is still under investigation as a suspected arson.
The Artworks Recovery Fund Drive will kick off this week and will culminate on July 19, the one year anniversary of the fire. The recovery fund will be for the costs of relocating and setting up the new gallery once restoration of the building is complete.
The goal of the fundraiser is $35,000. The Artworks’ wish list can be viewed online at www.orcasartworks.com along with an updated coverage of the fund drive.
Donations can be made online at www.orcasartworks.com, by mail at PO Box 125, Olga WA 98279, or in person at the Artworks’ temporary location at 217 Main Street in Eastsound.
The purpose of the Orcas Island Artworks is to provide a marketplace for Orcas Island artists and craftspeople. The Artworks itself does not make a profit on gallery sales. After covering operating costs the co-op distributes the maximum possible proceeds back to its members, who staff and manage the gallery themselves. This has made it possible for hundreds of Orcas Island artists and craftspeople to earn a living from their trade since the co-op was founded in 1981.
The Strawberry Barreling Building is owned by the Olga Strawberry Council, a separate, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to preserve and maintain the building. The Strawberry Council is also accepting donations for the restoration and improvement of the building itself. Please visit www.olgastrawberrycouncil.org for further information.
