Gratitude and Growth: Reflecting on 2024
Dear Friends,
As we reflect back on 2024, our hearts are filled with gratitude for your steadfast support. It is because of you that the Rochester Folk Art Guild continues to thrive, grow, and serve as a sanctuary for those seeking awareness, creativity, and connection.
Elevating Our Mission, Expanding Our Reach
Thanks to your generosity, this year has been a period of remarkable growth. We’ve secured key grants—$45,000 from the Yates County Tourism Advisory Committee, and $5,000 each from the Community Foundation and Auburn Public Theater. These funds helped us completely renew and modernize our website, make vital upgrades to our facilities, and expand our programs and marketing, allowing us to welcome even more visitors and establish the Guild as a cultural resource and destination. Check out our new website at www.folkartguild.org!
Among our proudest accomplishments, and thanks to the New York State Council on the Arts, we completed our solar panel project, transitioning the Guild to renewable energy. We also began work on preserving key buildings and enhancing our visitor experience, with new siding on the barn and upgrades to our retreat center and the Orchard House. These projects, fueled by your support, are laying the foundation for a sustainable future.
Growing Our Community
This year has been filled with new connections and exciting growth. We’ve welcomed talented pottery residents, hosted inspiring retreats like Black Girls Breathe and Summer’s End, and strengthened partnerships with local organizations such as Explore Naples and Teaching Artists ROC. These collaborations and initiatives are expanding our reach and bringing new vitality to the Guild.
A significant highlight of this year has been our ongoing strategic planning initiative, which aims to create a shared roadmap for the Guild's growth. This collaborative effort is rooted in our shared vision: nurturing individuals and communities through meaningful work, sincere efforts, and creative expression. From group discussions to working teams and our in-person planning weekend this September, our community has truly come together to shape a future that reflects our collective voice, and we are grateful to all who continue to contribute their time, energy, and insights in various ways.
And let's not forget our little group of alpacas at the Upper Barn—recent 'residents' who are adding new warmth and charm to the Guild!
A Call For Your Continued Support
As we look to 2025, much work lies ahead. With ambitious plans to modernize our spaces and expand our offerings, we turn to you for support.
Please help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 by year-end. Your contribution, of any size, will directly support our mission to represent and uphold community, creativity, and meaning in today's world.
Thank you for the many ways you contribute to the Guild family. Your love and support make this place possible, and together, we can ensure the Guild remains a welcoming and nurturing space where creativity and connection thrive for generations to come.
With deep appreciation,
Paul, Colleen, and the Guild Community
P.S. In December, we will take a break from our newsletter to give our team a much-needed rest. We’ll be back in touch in January with more programs, updates, and exciting news from our community. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to reconnecting in the new year!