The Arts & Crafts Research Fund
Arts and Crafts Conference Raises Funds for Hurricane and Fire Victims Relief
Arriving in Asheville just five months after Hurricane Helene devastated much of the surrounding area, attendees at the 38th National Arts and Crafts Conference showed their support for relief agencies still battling to return thousands of people to whatever their “new normal” will be.
Through their spirited bidding at the silent auction organized by the non-profit Arts and Crafts Research Fund, Arts and Crafts collectors raised $5,000 for hurricane relief, as well as another $5,000 for the Pasadena Community Foundation assisting victims of the recent California fires.
In addition, collectors provided another $2,820 for area relief organizations by purchasing special conference posters designed and hand-printed by Andre Chaves.
Individual hurricane relief donations made during the course of the three-day February conference totaled $7,200. That amount was matched by Leigh Ann Hamon and Bruce Johnson, founder of the Arts and Crafts Research Fund.
The total relief amount raised by Arts and Crafts collectors amounted to $27,220.
One of the Asheville recipients of the funds was the Covenant Community Church, which has transformed their property into The Village, which is comprised of nearly 30 donated campers and recreational vehicles. Funds have been used to provide electrical, water, and sewer hook-ups, as well as food and clothing, for displaced families.
“We want to give families that dignity to have their own private space,” Pastor Sam Burleson explained. “We want this to be a true place of healing and not a place where they just experience more chaos, because we’ve all experienced too much.”
The Village is here for the long haul, Burleson added, as he is prepared to house residents for up to two years.
In California, the Pasadena Community Foundation has been serving the communities of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre for over 70 years. As an umbrella organization, they have worked closely with both civic and nonprofit leaders during good times and bad to meet the changing needs of their community. PCF launched the Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund on January 8, 2025, to provide flexible support to local nonprofit and community organizations as they respond to the Eaton Fire, and support the needs of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre residents.
The non-profit Arts and Crafts Research Fund remains available as a funnel to transfer additional donations to vetted organizations in both Asheville and Pasadena. Donations made to the ACRF can be mailed to Bruce Johnson, 25 Upper Brush Creek Road, Fletcher, NC 28732. Tax deduction letters will be promptly mailed to every donor.
The Arts & Crafts Research Fund was established several years ago by Bruce Johnson with the goal of providing financial assistance to researchers and writers involved in the Arts & Crafts movement.
Each year the ACRF sponsors a Silent Auction at the National Arts & Crafts Conference to raise money, which is distributed at no specific time during the following year. Research grants typically range between $2000-$4000.
To be considered by the selection committee for funding your research project, send a typed two-page proposal including the following information (There is no deadline and no formal application.):
1.) A one-paragraph summary of your research project
2.) Tell us why you think it is important
3.) The present status of your research
4.) Background on yourself
5.) What amount you are requesting and specifically how you would use this amount.
6.) Other pertinent information.
Mail it to:
Bruce Johnson
25 Upper Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
If you have a question, please contact Bruce Johnson at Bruce1915@gmail.com
Thank you!
