Support Us
Dear Friend of Salem Art Works,
In these challenging times, when funding for the arts in our communities has been reduced or eliminated, SAW remains committed to providing opportunities for the creation and appreciation of contemporary art. In the last year we’ve completed a number of exciting projects, providing us the vital opportunity to support our mission through residency programs, workshops, public events and exhibitions. Through your generosity, SAW housed 70 resident artists, hosted over 15 community events, and opened its doors to more than 2,000 visitors in 2011. I’m deeply grateful for your commitment to SAW and its support of artists in the creation of new work. I hope you see, as I do, the great strides SAW has made over its seven year history. I look forward to what SAW will accomplish in its 8th season with your continued support.
2011 Program Highlights
This season, we maintained our focus on developing and expanding our three programmatic areas: cultural events, educational workshops and artist residencies. I strongly believe it is through these offerings that SAW best promotes artistic dialogue and creative thinking among artists and audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
International Flavor – Salem2Salem
For three weeks in August, 28 artists from 6 countries were in residence at SAW for the second year of this international artist exchange. Exemplifying the mission of SAW, artists representing a myriad of mediums worked together across cultural and artistic borders to create new and innovative work.
Hands-On Learning – Workshops
Our educational workshops, ranging from Tools and Tongs to Landscape Painting, reached nearly 400 people this season. Among those served were 70 college students and professors who participated in the 5th Annual Intercollegiate Iron Pour.
Shared Creativity – Artist Programs
SAW hosted 69 artists participating in Fellowships, Residencies, Internships, and the Emerging Artists Programs. One group of residents was the nine-member if and only if theatre collective who utilized SAW’s campus to create a site-specific adaptation of James and the Giant Peach.
2011 Capital Improvements
As our programs evolved over the last year, we enhanced our physical infrastructure in order to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse artists and visitors.
Blacksmith Shop Equipment
The blacksmith shop saw the addition of a 250 lb power hammer and four new coal-fire forges. With the addition of the power hammer and forges, the shop can accommodate larger projects and up to 30 students at any given time.
CNC Machine
A CNC machine was created on-site for the purpose of fabricating multiples. This new tool can be used for fabrication in art and construction.
Vincent House Renovations
With the completed renovations on the house on Vincent Lane, we can now offer more studio space and lodging. These additional spaces allow us to extend residencies into the winter, maintaining year round the sense of community so essential to SAW.
Please Help Support Us!
Thanks to your contributions, Salem Art Works has grown in its ability to build community tremendously over the last seven years. Your tax-deductible donation to SAW is an investment not only in the lives of aspiring and established artists, but also in a unique cultural experience in Upstate New York and beyond.
By making a year-end contribution to Salem Art Works, you not only support a one of a kind cultural center, you also receive a special gift as a thank you for your support. Donations of any denomination help SAW fulfill its mission. This year I am excited to present to you new ways to show your support for the SAW Mission:
Be a Part of the SAW Family: Starting at $30
At SAW we appreciate your membership and support. Welcome to our family!
Be a Supporter of the SAW Mission: Starting at $300
As a Supporter of the SAW Mission you are helping us to bring high quality programming and diversity to the local community. Your generosity helps to keep us moving forward.
Be a Benefactor of the SAW Mission: Starting at $1500
As a Benefactor of the SAW Mission you play an integral role in our ability to maintain, advance and grow our campus and programming. Benefactors have a special understanding of what it takes to run a successful organization and want to be an important part of the SAW Mission. For specific information or questions on higher-level support, please do not hesitate to contact me personally.
I’m excited by our plans for this year and hope that you will join us for one of our upcoming performances, programs or workshops. Your tax-deductible donation ensures that SAW continues enriching the community by hosting exhibitions, residencies, concerts, theatrical performances and workshops. Please give generously.
All of us at SAW thank you for your support, and we’ll see you in 2012.
Anthony Cafritz
Executive Director
P.S. Now is the perfect time to renew your membership. Stay in the SAW family and continue receiving discounts on SAW workshops, merchandise, and events! Just make a donation over $30.