e-news | May 2009

Program News

CERF+ Honored with CODA Award
CERF+ received the Craft Organization Development Association’s (CODA) award for leadership, creative thinking and outstanding service at the 2009 annual CODA conference on April 24 in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her presentation, CODA Board Chair Cheryl Hartley commented that “the breadth and extent of CERF+’s national impact helps artists in a way that no one else can.” CERF+ is the first organization to receive this award.

CERF+ Receives Major Grant for Coalition Work from Cummings Foundation
In May, CERF+ received $75,000 from the Nathan Cummings Foundation for its work spearheading the Coalition for Artists’ Preparedness and Emergency Response. The Coalition is a national task force committed to a strategy of resource development, educational empowerment and public policy advocacy to ensure that there is an organized safety net for artists and arts organizations that serve them before, during and after disasters.

BOARD NEWS

CERF+ Board Meets the Twin Cities
The CERF+ Board met in the Twin Cities following the Craft Organization Development Association’s annual conference. On April 25, the CERF+ Board experienced the vibrant Minnesota clay scene starting with the Northern Clay Center, home to dozens of studio ceramists and an impressive exhibition and education program. The group also visited studio potters Linda Christianson, Will Swanson, Janel Jacobson, Jeff Oestreich, and Guillermo Cuellar.

The next day the CERF+ Board was hosted in St. Paul by the Bush Foundation and CERF+ board member Julie Dalgleish. Julie directs the Bush Artist Program which makes grants to artists living in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. CERF+’s board and staff were joined for breakfast by members of the area arts community at Open Book, a center for book arts in Minneapolis. The CERF+ Board and staff previewed the Studio Protector for the breakfast guests and the group enjoyed a lively discussion focused on how CERF+ can better connect with artists and organizations before and after emergencies. The CERF+ board also discussed plans for the celebration of its upcoming 25th Anniversary in 2010. Thanks to Julie’s efforts CERF+ had a great opportunity to sample the Twin Cities’ vital craft scene.

FUNDRAISING NEWS

Phoenix Ceramics Show Benefits CERF+
Phoenix Rising: A Ceramic Art Show was held as a fund raiser for CERF+ April 8-11, 2009, at The Icehouse in Phoenix, Arizona. The exhibit, co-curated by Billie Mitchell and Nan Kitchens, was one of NCECA’s juried concurrent, independent exhibitions. Seventeen artists were selected and each included one specific piece depicting their response to a specific upheaval, great change, or a cataclysmic event in their lives. These are just the kinds of events to which CERF+ responds every day.

Participating artists were Antoinette Badenhorst, Chris Baumann, Kyle Carpenter, Glenn Dair, Malcolm Davis, Rikki Gill, Jason Hess, Nan Thurn Kitchens, Ron Meyers, Billie Mitchell, Joel Queen, Linda and Charlie Riggs, Akira Satake, Stacey Stanhope, Kathy Triplett, and Lana Wilson.

Over 800 people attended the reception and sales exceeded expectations. The $4,800 raised for CERF+ will support the organization’s programs and services for craft artists througout the country. CERF+ thanks the show’s curators and donating artists, as well as Ceramics Monthly and The American Art Clay Co. for ads and
sponsorship, Helen Hesthenes for contributing the space at The Icehouse, and all the artists. Phoenix Rising was presented in conjunction with NCECA 2009.

Alabama Clay Conference Raises $3,328 for CERF+
During the recent Alabama Clay Conference, ceramic artists from the Southeast had a chance to learn about CERF+ and raise funds for its work through an annual raffle. Olympic Kilns in Flowery Branch, Georgia offered a Raku kiln as this year’s grand prize. Fifteen vendors donated items and three artists (Robin Hopper, Greg Pace, and (Angelica Pozo) contributed greenware to the effort. CERF+ values this grassroots support and was thrilled to receive the check for $3,328.

Join A Season for CERF+!
Don’t miss your chance to join together with craft-related businesses around the country and participate in A Season for CERF+ 2009. This annual event gathers galleries, retailers, on-line businesses and artists’ studios throughout the United States. Between September and December they host events to raise funds for, and awareness of, CERF+’s programs and services. This year’s goal is to have participants in all
50 states. If you would like to help us recruit craft-related businesses or you are interested in participating in A Season for CERF+ 2009 please sign up using our online form or contact Carrie Cleveland or phone (802) 229-2306 for more information.

It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Safety Net!
Get CERF+’s limited edition charm from 2008 while they last! Sandra Enterline’s stainless steel and sterling charm entitled “Safety Net” can be purchased at CERF+’s online store or by calling the CERF+ office at (802) 229-2306.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TIP OF THE MONTH

Your homeowner’s insurance probably does not cover your business!
According to the recent CERF+ Business Insurance Survey a high percentage of craft artists mistakenly believe that the structure that they work in and/or their business property is covered by their homeowner’s insurance. Unless you have negotiated for a special endorsement (rider), homeowner’s insurance normally covers only about $2,500 for a home office–money intended for a desk, file cabinets and computers, but not buildings used for business purposes. CERF+ hears frequently from artists who have discovered this AFTER their studios have burned to the ground! In addition there is no coverage for business liability (yes, that includes customers visiting your studio on that annual studio tour).

Are you in business? As far as your insurance company is concerned, you are in business if you derive income from the sale of your work or services.

Read your insurance policy, talk to your insurance agent, and consider purchasing a rider on your homeowner’s insurance, an “in-home business” policy, or a business owner’s plan (BOP).

For more information from CERF+ to help you understand business insurance click here

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