Letter from the Director

Whew, my first year as Executive Director has ended and now the proverbial honeymoon is over. It wasn’t an easy year but what it lacked in simplicity was made up in personal rewards. The administrative office “Dream Team” went above and beyond in ways that can only be described as awesome. We all worked really hard and laughed a lot – a powerful combination.

There are exciting things brewing at Snow Farm for 2010. The new Master Series of three-day classes is bringing some of the top artists in the country to Snow Farm. They are sharing their skills in ceramics, lampworking and glassblowing. We are honored to have these talented artists teaching at Snow Farm this spring and summer. You will find the Master Series classes under Adult Intensives on our web site http://www.snowfarm.org and in our catalog.

The glassblowing studio is in need of renovation and the popular lampworking and kiln glass studio both need a larger space. To address these needs, we will begin a fundraising effort called the SF2 Studio Improvement Fund. The goal is to have a studio building which can accommodate glassblowing, lampworking and kiln glass. This is going to take a lot of work and a lot of money - the challenge is on!

Our Summer High School Program will be amazing this summer with applications coming in from very talented teens. To provide additional opportunities for teenagers to come to Snow Farm, we have scheduled the April Vacation Week (April19-22), with day classes in Glassblowing, Metalsmithing, Painting and Lampworking. We also included a second Intergenerational Workshop Weekend. Now there will be two opportunities for adults and teens to experience Snow Farm together.  

I plan to meet the challenges of 2010 by drawing from the talents of the two Directors who led The New England Craft Program before me. Jane Sinauer, the first owner and Director taught me how to keep a close eye on the bottom line. Her practical simplicity, attention to detail, passion for the teaching of craft and desire to provide amazing art instruction to high school students, inspires me to keep her dream alive. Mary Colwell, who became Director and partial owner in 2001, gave the Snow Farm property the TLC it needed to become an even more stunning place. Mary’s enthusiasm, ability to work miracles, and non-stop championing for Snow Farm is my model for focused, unbridled dedication.

It always intrigues me that we never know what tomorrow will bring. It’s a little scary but also very exciting. One of the reasons I love opening the mail and email each day is that I just never know what new challenge or wonderful opportunity may be in store. I wonder if many of you think about attending a class at Snow Farm in the same way. You may, like me, be a little intimidated and excited. You might be wondering whether or not you are talented enough, will learn what you want, or have the same great experience as last year. My advice is to do what I’m planning to do this year- just draw on those fearless folks who have inspired you. I hope their example of risk taking determination compels you to go ahead, take a chance and sign up for that class!

I look forward to welcoming you to Snow Farm!

Sincerely,

Karen Totman
Executive Director