Ballard art gallery severely damaged in fire sparked by burning dumpster

An art gallery in Ballard caught fire on Friday due to a burning dumpster near the building, which destroyed numerous original works and prints as a result.

The Get Nice. Gallery is located at 1766 NW Market St. in Ballard, and caught fire at approximately 8:45 p.m., according to the gallery’s GoFundMe.

Ballard art gallery fire

The dumpster fire started behind the Ballard Collective building, and first responders arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported, although the fire caused extensive damage to the building and art pieces.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt — however, Get Nice. Gallery and Graham Franciose Studios suffered massive damage,” Matt Midgley, the GoFundMe organizer, stated. “Original works and countless prints lost, as well as a brand new collaborative show from artists Travis Millard & Michael Sieben, have nearly all been destroyed.”

The Get Nice. Gallery and Graham Franciose Studios GoFundMe fundraiser has already received more than $32,000 from 353 donations. The current fundraiser goal is set at $45,000.

All of the donations will go to Graham and Get Nice for redevelopment efforts, and the money will also compensate the artists whose work was burned in the fire.

“Get Nice. Gallery has always paid artists a significantly higher percentage of sales than almost all other galleries. Now is the time for our community to rally around Graham and Get Nice. Gallery and return some of that generosity they have been so giving with over the years,” Midgley stated.

There is still no information on what caused the fire in the dumpster.

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