Scantic River Artisans ask Select Board for storage and show space at Thornton Burgess as town hall moves

Laura Salerno, representing Scantic River Artisans, asked the Select Board to reserve space at the Thornton Burgess building after town‑hall operations relocate there. Salerno said the group currently runs four shows a year, draws roughly 200 people per show and lacks permanent storage and a suitably sized exhibit space at the senior center.

Board members and staff said the auditorium/cafetorium would remain available for shows under the regular building use authorization process, and that the project layout is not yet final so they could not promise a permanent classroom or storage room at this time. Select Board member Don said the board was receptive to reserving the auditorium for approximately four shows a year and would take the artisan group’s request — including options for a small classroom to be used for storage and staging — under advisement as the Thornton Burgess space plan evolves.

Board members flagged a few practical issues the artisans should expect: the building’s final room layout has not been set and competing requests for space may require a prioritization process; facility upkeep and utilities costs for any long‑term storage would need consideration; and any regular use would have to follow the town’s authorization and scheduling process. Salerno said the artisans would keep existing displays at other venues and would like a modest secured storage room and pre‑show days for intake and registration. The board said it would add the group to a list of potential users as the plan for Thornton Burgess is finalized.