PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Thunderbird Salvage on Frankford Avenue is reconnecting former University of the Arts students with their artwork.
Owner George Mathes said they were contacted by the Dwight Property Group, which recently purchased Anderson Hall, a few weeks ago to come through and “save what [they] could.”
Once Mathes went inside, he discovered nearly a truckload of unclaimed artwork, sketches, paintings and drawings that belonged to former students. Suddenly, he said, a bell went off.
“We only had literally a day or two,” he said. “When I went in there, I realized this place is special, and it’s time to do what we can to save all the artifacts and historical items in the building.”
Mathes will be hosting a pop-up event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 16 and 17 at his new storefront at 2856 Frankford Avenue. Students can come with proof of ownership to reclaim their work. The rest will be up for sale.
“A lot have contacted us saying there’s art of theirs in there, and we say they can have it. We’re glad to give it to them. We all need our way back home.”
Students can reach out about their artwork to Thunderbird via social media.