Free Stuff

By the time The Chronicle arrived at the Ann Arbor Art Center’s studios at 220 Felch St. on Wednesday afternoon, it was less than 24 hours after the center had made its “free stuff” posting on Freecycle and Craiglist – but much of the initial batch of furniture set outside the building had already been picked over.

Inside, quite a bit remains, including ceramic molds, low-fire glazes, unclaimed finished pottery and other items. And over the next few days, they’ll be setting out more furniture for the taking, too.

The center sold its 11,000-square-foot building to ICON Creative Technologies earlier this year, and is consolidating at its 117 W. Liberty location. Taking a break from packing, ceramics studio manager Suzanne Poulton told us the new studio space at the Liberty Street building is about half the size of the Felch Street property, so they need to unload quite a bit. For anyone interested in picking up some deals, the Felch studios will be open from 1-8 p.m. every day this week.

A Chronicle reader alerted us to the center’s posting on Freecycle, but while we were there the three people who showed up had all seen the notice on Craigslist.

A volunteer for the Ann Arbor Animal Hospital stopped by looking for tables. They usually rent tables for their fundraisers, he told Poulton, and were hoping to get some for free to avoid that expense.

Poulton told him they’d be putting out more tables later this week, including some that were currently loaded with ceramic pots, picture frames, bowls and other items.

Those things are free, too, or sold for a pittance. They’re asking for donations, and raised about $100 yesterday alone, Poulton said.

Whatever they don’t get rid of by June 30 – the day they have to officially vacate the building – goes into the dumpsters.