Penn State Old Main Elm Artisan Table, Created by Artisan Tom Svec

Up for auction is a true piece of Penn State history—a one-of-a-kind table to be crafted from the limited wood reclaimed from the historic Old Main Elm. Accompanying photos are of the prototype only. The winning bidder will have the opportunity and be encouraged to work with the artist to ensure that the final piece fits his or her needs while displaying the finest attributes of this unique material.

More than a quarter of Penn State’s treasured elms have been felled since 2007 due to Elm yellows disease. This auction is for a uniquely commissioned piece of furniture to be produced by a local artisan from the stately tree that helped frame Old Main for nearly 80 years.

Pennsylvania artisan Tom Svec has previously created a piece for The Penn State Elms Collection, a distinctive line of fine furniture and frames produced from reclaimed wood whose proceeds support the replanting of the University Park campus with a wide variety of tree species. The collection is a partnership between the Penn State Alumni Association and Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant.

This unique table will be approximately 7 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 17 inches tall (coffee table height). The top will be crafted exclusively from a prime piece of Old Main Elm wood. It will be signed and dated by the artist, engraved with a short statement of its significance as the first piece made from the Old Main Elm, branded with the Penn State Elms Collection logo and can include the insertion of a metal pin to commemorate a date of importance to the purchaser. The winning bidder will have the opportunity to select the additional wood species for the base (walnut or cherry).

As a symbol of the University’s commitment to a sustainable future, proceeds from this auction will help establish The Reinvention Fund, the financial catalyst for transformative sustainability initiatives at Penn State. Bidders are encouraged to check with their tax advisor to determine the tax deductibility of this purchase.

It will be possible for individuals to place bids in person via a proxy at multiple times during the upcoming Blue-White Weekend, April 20-22. The prototype, along with other Penn State Elm furniture, will be on display at the University Park campus at the following times:

Friday, April 20

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the HUB Alumni Hall as part of Penn State Earth Day

6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the vendor area adjacent to Beaver Stadium on Curtin Road as part of the Blue-White Weekend Carnival

Saturday, April 21

            10 a.m. to 10 p.m in the vendor area adjacent to Beaver Stadium on Curtin Road as part of Blue-White Weekend Carnival

Sunday, April 22

            10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the vendor area adjacent to Beaver Stadium on Curtin Road as part of Blue-White Weekend Carnival

The auction, both in person and on-line, will end at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 22.

Visitors are encouraged to come and view the prototype and learn more about Penn State’s commitment to sustainability during Penn State Earth Day and Blue-White Weekend.

Thank you for bidding!

Please ask any questions you need to know before bidding.  All items are sold as-is and where-is with no warranties expressed or implied.All sales are sold in "as is, where is" with possible latent and apparent defects, with no return, no warranty and no guarantee all sales are final.  If you have any concerns, please ask before bidding.  We accept Visa/MasterCard.  All payments must be made with USA funds. We expect payment within 7 working days; we will release for shipping as soon as the item is constructed and ready for shipping.   Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 7 am until 4 pm pickup would need to be made during these days and hours.  Please keep in mind we are closed on the weekends when asking questions. 

PAYMENT

We accept Visa and Master card (by calling us with the information).   We are not set up to accept credit card payments on line you must call us with the information.  All payments must be made with USA funds. We expect payment within 7 working days. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 7 am until 4 pm payment would need to be made during these days and hours.

SHIPPING

We will release for shipping as soon as the item is constructed and ready for shipping. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 7 am until 4 pm pickup would need to be made during these days and hours. Please keep in mind we are closed on the weekends when asking questions. Our phone number is 814-865-4371.  Free local pickup is also available.

TERMS OF SALE

All sales are sold  "as is" with no return, no warranty and no guarantee all sales are final. If you have any concerns, please ask before bidding. We accept Visa/MasterCard by calling us with your information to make your payment. All payments must be made with USA funds. We expect payment within 7 working days; we will release for shipping as soon as the item is crated for shipping. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 7 am until 4 pm,  pickup would need to be made during these days and hours. Please keep in mind we are closed on the weekends when asking questions.

ABOUT US

We are "PENN STATE". We are The Pennsylvania State University, Lion Surplus. We sell or recycle used, or no longer needed, equipment from the University. Our address is: The Pennsylvania State University, Lion Surplus, Services Road, University Park, PA 16802, 814-865-4371

CONTACT US

You may contact us by calling 814-865-4371 or 814-863-6158.