FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Sturgeon Bay, WI)—June 26, 2020 – The Miller Art Museum in downtown Sturgeon Bay announced today that it will be accepting donations for its late summer Art & Treasures Sale starting on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. The fundraiser was initially set to take place from August 1 – 15 but due to the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19, event organizers are expecting a reduced schedule, which will be announced as more details emerge regarding the status of the pandemic. The museum is closely monitoring and will take all proper precautions to ensure the safety of the community.
“This fundraiser in particular impacts our ability to carry out our mission and our programming,” says Executive Director Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead. “We, like everyone else, are pivoting from our usual mode of operations to ensure we are compliant with all recommended safety guidelines—the biggest will be a change in location from inside the museum to the former Healthy Way building located at 142 S. 3rd Avenue. This will allow us the space needed for social distancing and proper quarantining of donations as they arrive. We’re hopeful for a successful fundraiser in our 15th year this year despite the pandemic. The time has allowed many to clear clutter and organize while the Stay at Home order was in effect; with that, we’re hoping that the community will consider the Miller Art Museum as a home for their items which supports a continued presence for the visual arts in our community here in Sturgeon Bay.”
The fundraiser – an integral part of the museum’s operating budget – is a hybrid estate and yard sale with a focus on art and art-related items. Donors are asked to schedule a no-contact drop-off appointment by calling the Museum’s administrative office at 920.746.0707 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A staff member will meet the donor at the pre-scheduled date/time at the front entrance of the building located at 142 S. 3rd Avenue to receive donated goods. Donors are asked to remain in their vehicle and museum staff will unload it. Reminder: Items must be contained in a bag or box for ease of unloading and storage/quarantine. All donations received will be placed in quarantine for a minimum of 72 hours before being handled and processed by staff. In lieu of the quarantine period, donations will be accepted from Wednesday, July 1 – Friday, July 31, 2020.
Items accepted include: Artwork, reproductions, frames, sculpture, pottery, art supplies, books, household décor (lamps, vases, etc.), housewares, antiques and collectibles, holiday items, jewelry and accessories, luggage, linens, curtains, tablecloths, fabric scraps, baskets, musical instruments and small furniture items. All items must be clean and in good condition and contained (either bagged or boxed). Items NOT accepted include electronics, CD’s, large furniture, personal products (lotions, soaps, etc.), and bed components (mattresses). Questions may be directed to staff at 920.746.0707 if an item is not listed. The Museum remains CLOSED to the public due to COVID-19 pandemic and will begin a phased re-opening in late July. For more information email or call (920) 746-0707.