In 2022, we celebrated 75 years of bringing fun and learning at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts. This is a remarkable achievement for any organization, especially for a not-for-profit. The last few years have been challenging but, with your support, we are moving in the right direction!
Throughout the spring, summer, and fall of 2022, we held 47 workshops with about 30 instructors and over 200 students. The Gift and Craft Shop was open through the summer, we held two Arts & Crafts Festivals, participated in the state-wide Spring Open Studio weekend, held a Fabric and Craft Supply Sale in conjunction with the Black River Good Neighbors Fall Rummage Sale, and had a special music event to benefit the Expeditionary School at Black River.
In 2022 our Young Artist Scholarship Program over 50 local youth.We did not turn away a single scholarship applicant in 2022 and would like to do that again in 2023!This program is funded primarily through our annual Raffle, donated items offered for sale in the Gift and Craft Shop, and subsidies provided by the Fletcher Farm Foundation to residents of Ludlow and Cavendish.
Planning for 2023 and beyond has already begun. Workshops will run from April through October. We are working to add new classes and instructors. The Gift & Craft Shop will be open again next summer, and we have two Arts & Crafts Festivals planned for July 1 and Aug 12.
We have several campus improvement projects we’d like to undertake in the coming year. Providing internet access throughout the campus is a priority. We still have many old tables and chairs that need replacing along with several air conditioners. Our pottery program is in need of new pottery wheels and our kiln is also getting old.
In regard to human resources, the school has, for many years, relied heavily on volunteers. Our devoted Board of Directors wear many hats. Paid staff in 2022 consisted of 3 students from the Black River Expeditionary School who were campus assistants, one registrar, and a maintenance person. We are very grateful for all our amazing staff and volunteers! In order to grow, we will continue to utilize and expand our volunteer program and are planning to expand our staff as well. Funding this effort will be crucial.
Funding for the school is provided mostly by tuitions, and we are doing our best to keep it affordable. Our fundraising efforts also include finding and writing grants and an annual fundraising appeal. That’s right folks, we only ask once a year! We are a membership organization, so becoming a member is another way to show your support.
Please consider making a contribution or becoming a member and help us to continue to provide quality arts education at a reasonable cost.
Thanks for your support!