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Touchstone CENTER FOR CRAFTS

Pioneering Craft Education for Over 50 Years

GOALS AND PRIORITIES

Touchstone’s 50th Anniversary is a tremendous milestone. It is also the perfect moment to activate our vision for the future. Over the last five years, we’ve studied, surveyed, planned, and collaborated to inform and define what’s needed and what’s next. Our goals are aspirational, but they reflect needs that are urgent, immediate, and future-focused. We must renew and enhance our creative environment, increase local and regional impact and our contributions to the future of the field. We must sustain our present while we build and expand our legacy of leadership in craft education. 

CAMPUS RENEWAL & ENHANCEMENT - $1,000,000

Touchstone will complete and initiate campus upgrades to increase user safety, enhance current programming, and create capacity for growth. Upgrades are designed and prioritized to serve Touchstone’s immediate needs with future growth and development in mind.

 

Systems: electrical, water, and emergency/campus lighting

 

Safety and Campus Livability: HVAC, studio ventilation, and safety features

 

Areas of Excellence: noborigama kiln rebuild and ceramic studio expansion planning, roof and siding repairs for
the studios; studio enhancements

 

Accessibility and Inclusivity: prioritizing the construction of an ADA compliant, gender-neutral bathhouse 

TOUCHSTONE'S NEXT 50 YEARS DEPENDS ON THE GENEROSITY OF OUR COMMUNITY TODAY

LOCAL AND REGIONAL IMPACT AND FUTURE OF THE FIELD- $250,000

Touchstone will build on its tradition of artistic excellence and contributions to the development of the national craft field by increasing support for emerging artists, creating a pipeline for career development, and working with individuals and organizations to help diversify the field. Through these initiatives and sustaining capacity investments, Touchstone will increase connection to the local and regional community serving as a dynamic force in the creative economy.

Scholarship

“What a fantastic opportunity! Sometimes people say they can’t afford workshops like this, but these scholarships help offset and cover expenses. It really does open up opportunities for people.

     –Andrew

Internship

“I gained so much!

1) time, well equipped space, and support system to make a body of work that I am really excited about.
2) I felt I received a healthy amount of publicity through Touchstone’s advertising and social media attention.
3) I made professional connections.

4) Through Touchstone, I received the opportunity to interview for a really exciting long-term position relevant to my interests and career goals and was able to secure the position I wanted.

5) I gained experience working with/for a non-profit in the field of art and will be taking that experience with me to my new job.

6) I gained life-long professional connections, resources, and friendships.

     –Taylor, Intern

Residency

“Touchstone’s campus allowed me the opportunity to relax and unwind. Working in the studio and listening to the creek babbling, the birds chirping, or the rain hitting the leaves of the surrounding trees was amazingly refreshing.”

     –RJS

SUSTAINABILITY - $250,000

Touchstone Annual Fund
Touchstone’s readiness for the next 50 years depends on the growth and reliability of annual and unrestricted support from an ever-increasing number of individuals. Through the Anniversary Campaign, we welcome the participation of donors at all levels. These essential funds will be used to sustain current programs and operations and to address new areas of need as they arise. We’ll make timely investments in our facilities while providing new and expanded opportunities for community engagement. 

Mission Statement: Touchstone Center for Crafts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression.

Touchstone Center for Crafts condemns all acts of racism, discrimination, and senseless violence. We firmly believe that everyone has a right to dignity, respect, and equality without fear.  As an organization, we commit to listen and learn and to grow. We will continue to work to empower people to use art as a means of expression, a way to build community, and a powerful voice for change.

Touchstone Center for Crafts · 1049 Wharton Furnace Rd. · Farmington · PA 15437

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