I know these are tough times, and that you are receiving many requests for end-of-year giving. I feel strongly that supporting the future of craft is vital today, and I hope you’ll take a moment to read this, dwell on how making is a part of your life, and consider making a gift:

I am very honored to be a Trustee of the American Craft Council. Programs such as the Council’s conferences in 2006 and 2009 have been invaluable in developing an understanding of contemporary craft, providing educational and networking opportunities, and developing relationships with artists, craftspeople, designers, curators, educators, makers, and collectors. The ACC has played an important role in Twentieth Century visual arts, culture, and continues to evolve and change as leadership in the field takes on new roles and responsibilities. It’s an exciting time in many ways.

I am particularly honored to serve on the board with amazing people, including Stoney Lamar, who wrote this appeal letter for the council. I was blown away the first time he shared his story about how making is connecting with healing, how his experiences as an artist helped him understand his living with Parkinson’s. For Stoney to share this experience publicly is moving on many levels.

If you need to understand why the physical act of making is a powerful force, read this.

If you make things, have family members who make things, friends who make things, like to live with things made by hand, please consider making a year end gift to support the work of this organization. Any gift, no matter how large or small helps.

Here is Stoney’s Letter:

A few years ago, I knew that my work as a wood artist was changing, but I was not aware of why. Then I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. At the time I felt devastated. After all, my livelihood and identity were based on my manual dexterity. Sometime later, I viewed a video that had been made prior to my diagnosis. I watched myself and realized the signs had been in front of me all along but I had been in denial. Watching myself at the lathe, I said “That man has Parkinson’s.” It was a powerful moment.

While it was the end of one lifetime and the beginning of another, I now see that this struggle has strengthened both my work and belief in craft’s ability to empower and heal. It’s kind of a funny thing, but I feel like I’m doing some of the best work of my life right now.

You see, the fact that I’m a maker has given me a way to deal with the disease. When you make stuff, it’s all about intentional movement. I understand that aspect of my body better now. We always used to talk about how art saves lives. It never really became a cogent reality for me until this happened.

This experience has made me realize how important it is for me personally to make a difference by serving as an advocate for craft. One of the most meaningful ways I can serve the cause is in my role as a trustee of the American Craft Council (ACC). I am passionate about the Council’s mission to champion craft. The Council is the leading voice for craft in America, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the many gifted artists working in wood, clay, fiber, glass, metal and other materials.

There is great benefit in making and in appreciating those ingenious objects created for one human being by another, and the process by which they are made. As a fellow devotee, I hope you agree that the cause of craft is worthy of our support. Whether you are a buyer or collector of fine craft, make your living as a craft artist, or are a hobbyist, I invite you to join me in realizing ACC’s vision of a culture where craftsmanship is embraced for its contributions to community, economy, and human fulfillment.

From our new headquarters in Minneapolis, our ACC is working hard to seize opportunities to serve you. Through listening sessions and surveys many of you participated in, we are moving ahead with a new strategic plan to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the people we serve. We want to direct our efforts (and your investment) where we have the greatest impact championing craft.

I hope you will join me and become a member of ACC’s Patron Society, a family of donors who go the extra mile to keep the Council’s vision alive. Craft needs support from all of us, particularly those of us with the means to give more. Please consider a gift of $ or more. Patron Society members receive some great benefits that are listed on the enclosure.

By contributing to ACC today, your gift will:

·            Bring fine craft art to life through our juried shows, connecting over 50,000 craft aficionados with nearly 2,000 artist makers

·            Reach 1,000+ students from around the country who participate on our educational programs such as the unique School to Market initiative that provides real-life business experience to emerging artists so they can earn a living at their craft

·            Provide access to a national treasure – the ACC Library, which is the single most comprehensive collection of its kind with more than 14,000 items documenting and showcasing craft and craft making

·            Introduce emerging and established makers to new audiences through American Craft, our beautiful, award-winning publication

·            Honor artists and makers through the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards for outstanding achievement and leadership in the craft field

We are grateful for your commitment to craft and your willingness to move ACC’s work forward. Together, we can ensure a future where craft grows and thrives as an integral part of our lives.

Best wishes for a joyful holiday season,

Stoney Lamar Trustee, American Craft Council

Gifts can be made directly here:

https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=6662

Or here:

http://bit/ly/craftcouncil

Or call Timi Bliss at 612-206-3129

(If your employer supports giving, you can double your gift by submitting the necessary paperwork, too!)

WISHING YOU AND YOURS ALL THE BEST IN THE NEW YEAR!