Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As you know, the mid-south region is just taking count of the devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina. The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) is working to connect with the craft artists, galleries and others in the craft community in the affected areas but it is still too early to know how they fared. We do know that overall the damage is severe and widespread, as news reports show. We also know that this region of the country has a particularly high population of craft artists.

CERF is committed to helping and to keeping you informed about the ways in which you can help. To facilitate in this effort, we have created a Disaster Recovery Message Board on our web site: www.craftemergency.org. If you know a craft artist who needs help and/or if you can offer help (financial support, supplies, equipment, a place to stay or work, advice, encouraging words, etc.), please join in this discussion.

CERF's Disaster Relief Fund, interest-free loan programs and staff are prepared to respond to professional craft artists who have suffered significant losses. Please help us get the word out about the availability of our assistance as well as our need for the community's support at the time.

With warm regards,

Cornelia Carey
Executive Director

The mission of the Craft Emergency Relief Fund is to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States.

For more information contact CERF at (802) 229-2306, info@craftemergency.org or visit: www.craftemergency.org