News travels fast online and apparently, in Sacramento, so do good deeds.
On Aug. 31, artists at the Panama Art Factory were shocked to find someone had broken into their studios and stolen tens of thousands of dollars in art supplies. In the early hours Wednesday, someone made off with camera and photo studio equipment, a kiln, a welding machine, instruments and more. The factory, on 24th Street near Sacramento City College, is the creative home to more than a dozen artists.
News of the break-in spread quickly on social media Wednesday and within 24 hours Heather Orr-Martinez of CMND SHFT created a GoFundMe account. By Thursday evening, supporters had donated more than $2,600 of the $10,000 goal.
To help offset the cost to replace the stolen equipment, the Panama Art Factory will host an Open Studio Tour and sell their work from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10. Artists like Shaun Burner, Franceska Julianna, TUBE. Founder/editor Melissa Uroff Millner, John Klaiber, Colleen Craig and Waylon Horner rent space at Panama Art Factory.
Check out next Saturday’s Open Studio or, if you can not make it, skip a couple coffees out and donate that money to the Panama Art Factory’s GoFundMe page. These local treasures need the help!
Words: Kate J. Gonzales.