'Devastating' break-in sets Artichoke Community Music back $8,000

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The proprietors of a beloved non-profit music store and venue in Southeast Portland are devastated by the latest break-in, setting them back thousands of dollars.

Artichoke Community Music on Southeast Powell Boulevard has been fighting an uphill battle financially after a rash of recent break-ins. This latest theft, the fifth to happen since 2022, resulted in significant losses, including more than $8,000 worth of equipment. Microphones, three guitars and a custom mandolin were among the stolen goods.

"And this time it feels a little more personal," said Artichoke Community Music Executive Director Shelley Garrett. "So here we took a great step forward before Christmas, big selling season, and now we've lost some beautiful guitars there. One of them is a custom-made, one-of-a-kind mandolin that can't be replaced."

Pictures and descriptions of the stolen instruments are below.

Garrett said though they've existed for more than five decades, recent years have been a financial struggle.

"We're down to one part-time person in the store. We have volunteers that work the store, that work the bar, that work the venue. We have teachers that teach upstairs, but it's kind of hand-to-mouth all the time. So this is really, it's devastating," she said.

Despite the setbacks, the venue remains a vital community hub, offering a range of music classes, open mics and live performances.

"Our community always supports us. Nobody wants to lose this. We're the only listening room in Portland," Garrett said.

As a non-profit, Artichoke Music relies heavily on donations, benefit concerts and community support to sustain operations. They currently have a silent auction going on currently. Other ways to support the store, such as signing up to be a Patreon subscriber, can be found on Artichoke Music's donation page.