My dad, Chris Velush, owned and ran the Artful Eye, a bustling antique store on Bank St, in Seymour, CT, filled with eclectic and timeless antiques.  On Wednesday, April 20th, a fire started accidentally in the antique shop, consuming the entire building, and burned his business completely to the ground.  It took over 130 of Seymour’s volunteer firefighters to put the blaze out, and luckily, my dad survived.  The shop was his life’s passion, not just a job. My dad began selling antiques over 40 years ago, and deeply loved everything about his work.  He is currently without insurance coverage for the shop, or his inventory, so this is an unimaginable and devastating loss.  It will take a lot to help Chris rebuild his business, and we deeply thank you for your effort in joining us to help us heal.  Our Deepest Thanks and Gratitude, Emily and Chris Velush, The Artful Eye  Seymour, CT <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64873879_1650853900552967_r.jpeg" alt="64873879_1650853900552967_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />  The fire moved incredibly fast, and neither my dad, nor others could put it out by themselves.  It took over 130 incredible volunteer firefighters to put out the blaze over the course of 5 hours. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, and my dad was able to get out of the store in time. Had things been different by even minutes, my dad would not be here with us today.  Four other businesses on the block have also been completely destroyed. <a href="https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/crews-responding-to-fire-in-seymour/2765776/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC Connecticut Coverage of Bank Street Fire</a>  Remembering back to different times  My dad began selling antiques in 1972, and his love of preserving and celebrating the past grew with every decade.   He poured so much love, and so much of himself into his business.  He loved seeing the joy on a customers face when they found JUST the right piece; it's what he lived for.   <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64873879_1650854437250214_r.jpeg" alt="64873879_1650854437250214_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by this fire. The town of Seymour and the entire Valley has always stepped up when someone has needed them, and this truly is a devastating loss to so many. Other businesses currently have their own GoFundMe fundraisers, including Fade Away Barbershop, and we encourage you to join us in supporting them.   <a href="../../../f/fade-away-barbershop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fade Away Barbershop GoFundMe</a>

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Help Chris Rebuild The Artful Eye Antique Shop

Help Chris Rebuild The Artful Eye Antique Shop

Still $13,814 to go. Help us build momentum.