Sanders Harrison may be opening a skate shop in downtown Washington, but he’s also doing something else: opening his doors to artists of all ages.

The carpet is strewn with Jackson Pollock-style scrawls of paint; deep purple walls boast paintings both large and small, created with the help of friends, neighbors and passersby — before inventory arrives, Briar Patch Boards has already become a mecca for self-expression. From simple childish scrawls to scenes drawn by a professional hand, Harrison said he’s been giving people the opportunity to artistically invest in a place he hopes will appeal to skaters, artists and anyone else looking to find a place to simply be themselves. The response has been strong: on a single night last week, more than 30 people came by to pitch in to the effort, Harrison said.

“I’ve let people come and work on the wall while I get the rest of the place ready,” Harrison said. “It’s all different types of individuals that either came through and signed the wall or did their art. … We’ve had people from Greenville, from New Bern, little kids coming over from Scoops (ice cream shop next door).”

A Washington resident for the past 17 years, Harrison said when he was in high school here, he had to travel to pursue his interests of skateboarding, art and music. After a stint as a military police officer in the Army National Guard, he’s on a new career path and looking to provide a local space where all those interests, and those interested in them, are welcome. It started with the community art project: 53 feet of panels painted by those who’ve dropped in to see what was going on and add their own little touch to the soon-to-be skate shop.

“It’s so they can have something to relate to when they come in in the future,” he said.

If Harrison one day moves to another location, he can simply pop the panels off the wall and cart them with him.

While Briar Patch Boards — named for his paternal family’s farm in Maryland — will sell both men’s and women’s skate apparel, including T-shirts, hats, wallets, belts, sunglasses, shoes and socks, it will also be a full service skate shop with skateboards and long boards, with skim boards, wake and paddle boards in the future, along with wheels, bearings, hardware and other accessories. Harrison said he has handpicked all the merchandise to fit his brand.

Harrison said he plans to have the shop open by the weekend, but is focused on “making sure I’m making all the right moves,” including addressing the Washington City Council about potential skate events.

As the shop transforms from empty space to retail space, Harrison continues to welcome people to put their stamp on the walls and become a part of the Briar Patch Boards community.

Briar Patch Boards is located at 215 W. Main St., Washington. For more information, call 252-917-7662.