Arts of the Pamlico, downtown businesses to host Sidewalk Sale

Published 7:42 pm Thursday, July 19, 2018

For those who enjoy browsing the wares of businesses in downtown Washington, tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to find great merchandise at bargain prices, as Arts of the Pamlico and a host of others clear out back stock during the annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale.

“The idea is kind of a spring cleaning in the middle of summer,” said Thad Aley, AOP’s art exhibits and events coordinator. “That’s where we started, was cleaning out our closets and finding random bits of art, old prints and items that we think should be out in the public.”

While the sale began for AOP more than a week ago, tomorrow marks the deepest discounts for the nonprofit, with beautiful works of art selling for very reasonable prices.

“If it’s still here on Saturday, everything goes to 50-percent off,” Aley said. “We’ve been doing good in moving a few pieces here and there, and we’re looking for Saturday to be our biggest day. I think a lot of people are waiting for the 50-percent off.”

Aley says that a number of AOP members have donated their works for the sale, which also serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit.

PRINTS FOR LESS: Among the many items for sale at deep discounts at AOP this weekend are prints ranging from $1 to $5. Funds raised during the sale will go to support the organization’s operations throughout the year. (Matt Debnam/Daily News)

It’s not just AOP that’s clearing out its back stock, however. More than a dozen downtown businesses will either have tables on display outside of the stores or signs to bring in foot traffic to the businesses. While Aley said he could not speak to the discounts offered by other businesses, he named a few that will be offering special deals on Saturday, including several local art galleries.

“There are at least four art galleries that are going to do their own clearance sales, including Lemonade, Riverwalk, Contemporary Art Exchange and Art on Market,” Aley said.

Participating businesses/organizations include Arts of the Pamlico, Ruth’s House Antiques, Big Bargain Furniture and Appliances, The Lemonade Art Gallery, Art on Market, Contemporary Art Exchange, Riverwalk Gallery, Little Shoppes, The Purple Plume, The River Girl Antiques and Interior Design, Secret Garden Gallery, South Market Antiques, Southern Grace Boutique, the Southern Nest, the Thrifty Gifter and more.

“It’s a nice thing to give people a reason to come downtown for one big event,” Aley said.

The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call AOP at 252-946-2504.