As a friend of the Society of Arts and Crafts, we are writing to let you know that we are bringing a close to our operations. We do this with sadness, remembering the countless wonderful events and exhibitions that we have all enjoyed. We also do it with gratitude for supporters like yourself who have made so much possible. Since the loss of our Newbury Street store and gallery, SAC has struggled to find a sustainable business model. The end of CraftBoston, brought on by the rising cost of venues and the pandemic, was a loss from which we could not recover.
Working with limited resources, the Board and staff worked to reinvent this legacy organization, launching new programs and seeking to modernize and diversify. Despite great effort, these activities have not generated enough funds to keep the SAC alive.
Founded in 1897 as the first Arts and Crafts organization in this country, SAC has worked for 127 years to serve the craft community and the public with a range of programming including exhibitions, retail opportunities for artists, publications, studio and museum visits, workshops and direct grants to artists. Although its mission has been restated many times, the Society has consistently focused on two objectives:
-Supporting craft artists
-Educating the public on the value of hand craftsmanship and the handmade object
After serious consideration and discussion with other art organizations, we have determined that these objectives will best be served by transferring our remaining assets to the North Bennett Street School (NBSS), which shares a common history with SAC. For decades the two organizations have been Boston’s strongest advocates for craft. NBSS excels in training and supporting fine craft artists. Its mission is to train students for careers in traditional trades that use hand skills in concert with evolving technology, to preserve and advance craft traditions, and to promote greater
appreciation of craftsmanship.
This transfer of assets requires approval from Massachusetts’ Attorney General, as well as the MA Supreme Judicial Court. We have applied for and expect to receive this approval in 2026. Once that occurs, NBSS will establish an endowed scholarship in SAC’s name, providing an important resource for promising craft artists. In addition, the school will take over the administration of the prestigious Mineck Award of $25,000 to a contemporary furniture artist.
We hope that you will continue to support and advance the mission that has long animated our work at SAC. The Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton provides exemplary exhibitions of craft, supporting artists and educating the public. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Peabody Essex Museum, and other smaller local museums have increased the collection and exhibition of fine craft. Many artists participate in the
League of New Hampshire Craftmen annual fair. Historic New England and the Worcester Center for Craft have smaller craft fairs and there are still large annual booth shows in Marlboro, Northampton, the Hudson River Valley, Philadelphia, Baltimore and, of course, at the Smithsonian.
Although we say goodbye to the Society of Arts and Crafts, the value and power of the handmade will continue. We thank you again for your support over the years.
Regards,
The Society of Arts & Crafts