“Craft Emergency Relief Fund is committed to supporting the careers of craft artists throughout the United States. Through business and career-strengthening programs, emergency relief support, advocacy and research CERF helps professional craft artists strengthen and sustain their careers so that they can thrive and, thus, contribute to the quality of life in our communities.”

2008 didn’t see a Katrina sized disaster, however, catastrophic events did effect the lives of people everywhere.  Recovery from these events can sometimes be insurmountable.  CERF was able to help a group of craft artists get back on their feet through enabling them to resume making a livelihood through artistic endeavours.  The video (short version) below highlights the artists helped:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn5IGiiyPhw

To view the full version, click here.

Here’s a little shameless advertising.  If you are in teh Chicago are and want to take a pottery, metals, drawing, printmaking, …class, head on over to Lillstreet Art Center.  I might even be teaching a class, TAing, doing a workshop, or just working on stuff.  Also, if you are looking to purchase some quality pieces, head up to the 2nd and 3rd floor studios.