November 11, 2009

Dear Friend,

Thank you for being part of CAFAM’s circle of supporters and enthusiasts! During a year of shifting beliefs, changing political landscapes, and diminishing economic resources, you enabled CAFAM to keep focus on our core value – strengthening our community fabric through a deeper understanding of, and connection to, each other. A vivid experience of art and culture can electrify the soul and spark the imagination like little else. Please show your support for the imaginative sparks and mind-expanding experiences that CAFAM provides by making a tax-deductible year-end contribution, which will be matched dollar for dollar.

Where else in Los Angeles can you have these kinds of experiences?
…Exploring the tradition of Mithila painting, while learning about the social issues faced by young Indian women
…Discovering a rarely seen view of contemporary Iran through the eyes of an international journalist
…Creating a unique assemblage with personal mementos and found objects to store your special stories

To uplift our community in these challenging times, CAFAM opened its doors for Free Sundays in 2009 and realized an 83% increase in attendance. We also held a Cultural Block Party—a joyful celebration of Indian culture, food, music, and dance, on a hot summer evening that drew a large, diverse crowd. Next year, with your help, you can count on CAFAM to offer six exceptional art exhibitions that will open your eyes to new worlds, dozens of workshops to express your creativity, and the award-winning Shop@CAFAM, named “Best Gift Shop in the Land” this year by LA Weekly.

Also in 2010, CAFAM will launch Folk Art Everywhere, an exciting community outreach effort that will move art out of the museum and into the daily lives of diverse neighborhoods. We will offer maps and online guides so curious folk can go on a cultural treasure hunt through our amazing city and experience art in coffee shops, libraries, and other locations. Folk Art Everywhere, partially funded by the James Irvine Foundation, is another example of the one-of-a-kind experiences CAFAM provides—and you help to sustain.

Your gift to our year-end campaign helps feed our community with stories of art and culture from around the world and our own backyard. Please help us reach our campaign goal of $30,000! Your generous contribution will be matched dollar for dollar by CAFAM’s Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Frank Wyle, until January 20th. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support this holiday season. - DONATE NOW (click here)

“A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.” ~Chinese Proverb

Many blessings to you and your family in the New Year,

Maryna Hrushetska
Executive Director

P.S. Please enjoy our gift of culture to you below. The Tree of Life, inspired by our exhibition of the ancient Indian tradition of Mithila painting, was created by Anthea Rosenbaum, age 11, during our summer camp.

To contribute to CAFAM's Annual Appeal - Donate Now!... " Yes, I support CAFAM’s mission of encouraging cultural understanding through the universal lens of art!"

Your gift to CAFAM’s Annual Appeal is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. CAFAM’s tax ID number is 23-7442244. Please note that Annual Appeal gifts are separate from annual membership contributions. Questions? Call 323.937.4230 x31.

Credit: Anthea Rosenbaum, The Tree of Life, CAFAM's Summer Camp 2009, Acrylic, inkpen, collage.

ANNUAL APPEAL for 2009 - READ MORE!

“Wealth has no worth unless it belongs to a generous person.”
- Arabic Folk Wisdom

BECOME A MEMBER
Explore the world. Support the Arts. Start here. Sign up for your membership today and join us on a global journey of art and culture.

DONATE / GIVE
Every philanthropist's dream... Support the arts by donating online. All donations go directly towards exhibitions, educational programming, and general operating expenses, and are fully tax deductible. The Craft and Folk Art Museum is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Federal tax identification number: 23-7442244.

VOLUNTEER / INTERN
Time - the rarest resource... Find out how you can volunteer with the museum, or at our events and openings.

SPONSORSHIPS
Social capital as a valuable asset... Start a community partnership with CAFAM through a corporate or media sponsorship.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP
There are many other ways to get involved with CAFAM and the arts in Los Angeles. Find out how you can support the museum and the arts!

SUPPORTERS
Generosity is beneficial to your health and builds a stronger community. View our growing list of supporters!