A thrift store with a twist will open later this month in downtown Augusta.
A grand opening for the Second Act at 316 Eighth St. is scheduled for Sept. 20. The shop will benefit the Jessye Norman School of the Arts.
“It will have art supplies, music and generally groovy stuff,” said Gary Dennis, the art school’s executive director. “It will have a boutique feel.”
The inventory makes sense, he said. Many of the non-monetary donations the school receives are arts-related and include items such as art supplies and musical instruments. Selling items they can’t use will help provide arts education programs to their students.
Donations will be accepted from 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. Any donations that don’t fit the model will be re-donated.
Some merchandise is already in place, but the store needs some spiffing up to get it ready for the public, he said.
Formerly an antique shop, the space is conveniently located to the Jessye Norman School.
In addition to the retail space, there’s a loft that Dennis plans on using as a short-run screen print shop. He knows of some area artists who’ve already expressed an interest. It could also serve as a studio environment for artists.
Dennis said he’s hopeful to generate extra revenue for the school that provides its programming free to its students.
It’s something he’s been considering for several years, and when the location opened up ,it seemed like the right time to do it. Dennis said all the school board members liked the idea and encouraged him to pursue it.
“It’s a proven business model,” he said.
The Second Act will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Tara Scheyer and Erin Dennis will play from 5 to 6 p.m. on the evening of the grand opening.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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This is great – thanks!