Online fundraiser set up for Homewood Art House after fire last month

PITTSBURGH — A fire damaged the Art House in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood last month, and now, a fundraiser has been set up to help rebuild the community hub founded by artist Vanessa German.

According to the GoFundMe page, the artist-in-residence woke in the early morning hours of Valentine’s Day to find smoke and fire in the bathroom. She had lit candles and forgot to make sure they were put out before going to sleep. Fire officials said the candles sparked fast-moving flames.

The Art House was started more than a decade ago as Love Front Porch. German would create art on an old ironing board on the front stoop of her house in Homewood. Kids who lived in the row houses nearby would often sit and join her, playing with clay and taking pictures on an old camera.

From there, the project moved into a public housing home across the street. It was open several days a week, offering art supplies, snacks and space to create art. Eventually, German bought two more homes on Hamilton Avenue, one of which became the official Art House. It featured a large garden, outdoor play space, an indoor art studio, a reading room and a small backyard theater.

The GoFundMe page states German plans to rebuild the Art House bigger and better. All proceeds will go toward restoring the home.

As of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, more than $118,000 had been raised. The goal was $75,000.

CLICK HERE for more information and to donate

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