Pop-up art store raises over $ 25,000 for NJ non-profit

What started as a pop-up art and donation shop in Hopewell has raised over $ 25,000 for HomeFront, the non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in central Jersey. .

The pop-up shop, curated by members of ArtSpace, one of HomeFront’s creative programs, launched in early December. ArtSpace is a spacious studio on HomeFront’s family campus that offers guests the opportunity to create and make art.

At the pop-up, people donate pottery, collectibles, art, antiques and other items that volunteers then sell to benefit HomeFront, said Ruthann Traylor, Director of ArtSpace and SewingSpace.

The pop-up is open on certain days for purchases and donations, and will remain open until May, depending on continued donations from the community.

“So whatever donations we get, we go over them and try to put them in small types of environments where they look great,” said Annie Battle, a 10-year HomeFront volunteer.

Battle, who has been volunteering in the store since its launch late last year, helps organize items and new donations in the store.

Rochelle Newman, of Yardley, Pa., Brings a donation into the store.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Jim Baxter, owner of Baxter Construction, owns the storefront. Since renovating the upstairs area, he’s offered HomeFront to use the downstairs space, Traylor said.

Traylor said the store is largely run by volunteers and people often buy new items and donate old items. “Some people come for their groceries early and at the end of the day, (they) come back with the things they give,” she said.

There is also a sewing space in the space where a seamstress creates different projects, including upholstering interesting chairs or making pet toys, Traylor said.

Volunteers also accept urgently needed items, including diapers, hygiene products, and non-perishable foods, at the pop-up. The donated items then go to HomeFront customers.

The pop-up is located at 31 West Broad St. in Hopewell. It is open for races from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Donations are accepted from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

“I think it’s a real win-win,” Battle said of the pop-up. “People want to pass things on, to do it (for) those in need and they can also find amazing finds there at very low prices.”

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Laura J. Boyer