A new thrift store, The Second Act, is opening up in the heart of downtown Augusta to support the Jessye Norman School of the Arts (JNSA) afterschool programs and summer camps.
The shop, located just down the sidewalk from the Jessye Norman School, will generate funds to bolster the services offered by the creative institution.
Financial support for the arts
The concept for the store was born when JNSA Executive Director Gary Dennis visited a community center in Virginia and read in their annual report that nearly half of their annual revenue stemmed from an adjacent thrift store.
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“I came back from that trip thinking ‘ok, that’s a potential revenue source for the school,'” said Dennis.
JNSA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving around 1,200 students yearly, most of its classes being available at no-cost. Dennis said for this reason, funding it all can be a “herculean” feat.
“This will add 8-10% of our annual budget if we’re wildly successful,” he added.
He hopes the thrift store will remain a community store.
Grand opening on Sept. 20
A grand opening for the new establishment will be held on Friday, Sept. 20 starting at 4p.m. with refreshments, performances by musical duo Tara and Erin and a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) ribbon-cutting.
However, the shop will be open all day on Friday beginning at 10 a.m.
What’s inside
An original Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s record. A pipe organ donated by a local funeral home. A pair of Frye leather boots: these are just a few of the unique items waiting for shoppers at The Second Act.
The bottom floor of the shop includes a variety of items for sale, including furniture, clothing, artwork and odds and ends. “the focus is art supplies, musical instruments, and generally groovy stuff,” said Dennis.
Upstairs in the shop is a screen printing area which will be used by the art school.
There is also an unfinished outdoor space behind the shop that Dennis has a vision for: “I can see this becoming, really, an event space for us,” he said. He also noted that the spot could be shared with Le Chat Noir, a nearby performing arts venue located at 304 8th Street.
Know before you go
After its initial start date, The Second Act will be open every week Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Donation drop offs will be accepted on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The store is located one door down from the art school at 316 8th St. in Augusta.
