ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Friday, Escanaba came together to support the artists who lost their work in the Ludington Street fire.
On January 24, a fire on the 1000 block of Ludington Street destroyed two businesses—Trinkets & Treasures and Schwalbach Kitchens—and killed one individual. In the response effort, a crack was created in the wall of the building next to Schwalbach Kitchens, which houses the East Ludington Gallery. As a result, all of the art inside sustained heavy smoke damage.
Friday evening, the Bonifas Arts Center hosted a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Guests enjoyed dinner and made donations to help the artists as they get back on their feet.
Patty Woerpel, one of the owners of the East Ludington Gallery building, said she was amazed by the community’s generosity.
“It’s been great,” she said. “I’m so surprised how many showed up. Everybody’s talking to everybody about the artwork. It’s been really nice, very supportive.”
Woerpel said that support will help the artists navigate their next steps.
“They may need to find a new place to have their art because we don’t know what’s happening with our building yet,” she said. “I hope they have luck finding a spot where they can have their artwork out again. I hope this helps them grow.”
There is also a GoFundMe set up to help the artist who lived above the East Ludington Gallery replenish her art supplies. Click here to donate.
