The Craft Emergency Relief Fund Re-Opens

Dear Friends,

I’m pleased to announce that our Craft Emergency Relief Fund Program is re-opened and we are accepting new inquiries to help artists facing career-threatening emergencies.  Generous supporters answered the call to replenish our fund after an unprecedented year of natural disasters. I want to personally thank every one of you for helping us raise over $350,000.

There are many artists who still need our help and have been patiently waiting for our program to re-open. CERF+ is committed to providing them with financial assistance and in-kind donations from individuals and businesses of equipment, supplies and booth-fee waivers.
Since the beginning of our fiscal year (October 1, 2018), 108 artists have received an unprecedented $508,701 in emergency financial relief from CERF+. This compares to 59 artists who received $239,601 in Fiscal Year 2017.

We’re now hearing from artists about the progress they have made on their road to recovery. From California to Puerto Rico, Texas to the U.S. Virgin Islands, artists are rebuilding their studios, making and selling their work, and contributing to recovery in their communities. You can help artists rebound from emergencies by supporting their businesses and by donating to CERF+.

Thank you for being part of the Artists Safety Net.

Sincerely yours,

Cornelia Carey
Executive Director

To apply for help visit (https://cerfplus.org/get-relief/apply-for-help/craft-emergency-relief-fund/?org=808&lvl=100&ite=1097&lea=765275&ctr=0&par=1&trk=).

Greenville Center for Creative Arts in Greenville, SC, Offers an Art Supply Flea Market – Aug. 25, 2018

The Greenville Center for Creative Arts in Greenville, SC, is askng artists & art students to mark your calendars for the Art Supply Flea Market, to be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018, from 10am – 3pm.

Artists, we need you! Clean out your studios and donate your gently used art supplies.

Drop off your donated supplies on Friday, Aug. 17 or Saturday, August 18, from 11am – 2pm at Greenville Center for Creative Arts. You may request a gift in-kind form for your contributions.

GCCA Members may also sell higher priced items ($40+) by consignment at the Flea Market, with 50% of the sale price returning to the artist.

What is the Art Supply Flea Market?
Artists and students of all ages and stages will find great bargains on gently used and new supplies in all mediums. Come shop for deals on paints, papers, tools, brushes, equipment, frames, display racks, and more.
Who is invited?
Anyone can donate supplies and materials!
What donations will be accepted?
Gently used or new art supplies and materials. Examples: paintbrushes, pencil sharpeners, viable paints and inks, printmaking equipment, mat cutters, papers, etc.

What donations will not be accepted?
Examples: Artwork (unfinished or finished), home goods (lamps, blinds, rugs, etc.), house paint, broken items, dried paints.

If you have questions, please e-mail (info@artcentergreenville.org).

Proceeds will benefit Art School scholarships for youth to attend classes, summer camps, and workshops at the Art Center.

Spread the word! Forward this info to high school students, art teachers, college students, and artists of all stages!

Cash accepted. $10 minimum on debit/credit purchases

The Greenville Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 Abney Street, Greenville, SC 29611.

For further info call 864/735-3948 or visit (www.artcentergreenville.org).

Craft Emergency Relief Fund is on Hold Pending Future Donations – Give Now If You Can

As we enter another hurricane season this month, I’m writing to share an important announcement and a call for unprecedented need for relief funds.

Extreme weather conditions caused by climate change have exponentially increased the demands on our Craft Emergency Relief Fund to help artists recover from disasters that affect their art and their livelihoods. Since last Fall, we have provided three times more grants and loans than last year – depleting available funds for relief.

We have made the difficult and unprecedented decision to put the Emergency Relief Program on hold until we can raise more money to meet artists’ needs. We are currently not taking any applications until we can raise at least $200,000 to reinstate this critical program.

Thank you for all you contributed in the past to CERF+ to help sustain the Artists Safety Net! Our new 2017 Impact Report shows how much of a difference you have made. We are proud to have served dozens of artists with emergency relief and 114% more artists with our preparedness programs as a result. Our message to “Get Ready” has reached thousands of artists over the years.

Now, it’s our turn to get ready again – and we need your help.

PLEASE HELP US RAISE $200,000 so we can reopen the Craft Emergency Relief Fund ASAP.

Donate at this link (https://cerfplus.org/donate/?org=808&lvl=100&ite=1053&lea=696551&ctr=0&par=1&trk=).

“Words cannot explain the gratitude we feel right now. Your help has been a tremendous example of solidarity to people in need. We will never forget it,” said Lemuel Maldonado, Woodworker, Puerto Rico.

Editor’s Note: The President and FEMA won’t help Puerto Rico’s artist, but we can – give today, every little bit helps and share this post to let others know.