News from the Director of Brookfield Craft Center

When I arrived at Brookfield Craft Center almost thirty years ago, the Craft Center was in a dire situation. The Center was struggling for its survival. Those who loved Brookfield Craft Center came to its aid and over the past two decades, together with the support and labor of our many friends and supporters, we have greatly improved and expanded our facilities, studios and programs. Today, the Craft Center enjoys a national reputation because of the efforts of so many who cared deeply enough to preserve the traditions and skills of fine craftsmanship, and our unique historic buildings.

For the past several years, the Craft Center has been struggling to maintain its operations - increased maintenance costs, and rising fuel and utility prices are crippling our cash flow. Tuitions for classes and workshops simply do not cover the costs of the organization's operations. And while gallery and shop sales help, these combined revenues do not cover our costs. (We share gallery and gift shop revenue with our consignment artists - who receive 60% of revenue from purchases.) We are forever committed to preserving Brookfield Craft Center's historically significant buildings, but maintaining these structures is very expensive - our facilities require a lot of care. We have cut costs where ever possible and have forgone many important improvements to the facilities and studios for some time.

As a non-profit school, the Craft Center has also been challenged by the downturn in the economy, and has become burdened with a serious cumulative deficit of some $160,000. We have been struggling with a significant operating deficit for the last three years. With the unstable economy, it is impossible for the Center to make this up this deficit with earned revenues from tuition and gallery/shop sales.

Over the years, we have enjoyed success in raising funds for dedicated projects and we sincerely thank those who have supported these efforts - including our new galleries, woodturning, glass and blacksmithing studios. Unfortunately, annual operating costs remain the most difficult funds to raise. There are very few places we can turn to for operating support and you are one of them.

If you share my love and dedication to the Center and the many craft artists we support, now is the time to come to our aid. Please give as generously as you can. If you have been a contributor, please consider giving something extra this year. If you have not yet contributed, this would be a great time to begin with your first donation! Every size gift will make a big difference - truly no gift is too small (and is completely tax-deductible). To remain open, we need the support of all of our friends and everyone who has enjoyed, and benefited from, our programs.