Dear Clayworks Community,
It has been a truly phenomenal year at Baltimore Clayworks. As you probably know, in July of 2017, Clayworks closed its doors, displacing artists, art, students, children, and the spirit of this 38 year-old organization.
But Clayworks proved its resilience by reopening the doors in October of 2017. Over this past year, with immeasurable gratitude to the donors, foundations, civic leaders, volunteers, and visionaries that make up the Clayworks community, we paid off debts, reorganized leadership, and put out the numerous “fires” that led to the closing. Clayworks is back to stay with a full program of classes, workshops, exhibits, and events.
In addition to continuing to present superb classes and exhibitions with renowned ceramic artists, Clayworks plans to extend its community-wide programming through partnerships with Man Alive, The House of Ruth, Make Studio, and other social service agencies. Clayworks is also growing the youth programs utilizing clay to offer job training skills to children and young adults with cognitive disabilities. Our forthcoming purchase of a 3D printer will support STEM curriculum in programs to serve Baltimore’s public school students.
If you have ever been through a traumatic crisis; in your business, or personal life, or family, if you have ever had to call on all of your resources to fix a really big problem, then you know how the aftermath feels. Clayworks is finally in a position where it can take a deep breath and start thinking strategically about the future. As you can see, we have some exciting plans, and we need your help!
Please consider Baltimore Clayworks in your year-end giving. It’s been a tumultuous few years, during which the organization has proven its service to the community, and the community has proven its commitment to the organization. Your generous contribution will help Clayworks continue to stabilize as we move into the next 38 years.
The graphic below shows the impact of contribution levels; please know that your gift of any size is crucial to the sustainability of the organization, and we are so grateful for all gifts, large and small. You may donate online at our new and improved website, or, if you prefer to mail in your contribution, our address is listed below. Please note that Baltimore Clayworks is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Your gift is tax deductible and must be postmarked by Dec. 31 to qualify as a tax deduction for the present year.
We invite you to come visit us at any time to see the exhibits, meet the new resident artists, or just say hello. You would hardly know that the doors were closed a year ago – Clayworks is alive with joyous creative energy!
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Susan Patz, Board President
Cyndi Wish, Executive Director
PS – Baltimore Clayworks participates in Maryland’s Community Investment Tax Credit program. Your donation of $500 or greater will be met by a 50% tax credit on your Maryland taxes. These tax credits are in addition to the deductions on both Federal and State taxes as a result of the charitable contribution. This opportunity is limited and will not be available in 2019. For questions and to obtain appropriate forms contact Mary Jo Kirschman – info@baltimoreclayworks.org.
