Silver milestone of service

MONTPELIER, VT (PNAN) – Now in her 25th year with CERF+ The Artists Safety Net, under the leadership of Executive Director Cornelia Carey, the organization has provided over $1.2 million in direct relief assistance to 815 materials-based craft artists across the nation and its territories. Carey has long been a champion of craft-based artists and artisans, dedicating her life’s work to helping them develop strong and sustainable careers.

     CERF+ has grown into an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to helping craft artists by providing direct relief assistance as well as education programs, advocacy and network building. Carey has worked tirelessly to diversify the board, broaden outreach to marginalized artist communities, and establish long-term strategic goals.

     “When Carol Ross and I first imagined CERF+, we hoped to create an organization dedicated to helping craft artists in times of crisis,” says Josh Simpson, Co-Founder of CERF+. “In her 25 years of directing CERF+, Cornelia has taken our dream and made it a reality. The craft and art world is fortunate and honored to have had her leadership, continuity, grace, organizational artistry and, above all, her kind spirit, for all these years!”

In honor of Carey’s service, the CERF+ Board of Directors established the Folk and Traditional Arts Fund, which will support the emergency and preparedness needs of folk and traditional artists.