Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the incredible year we’ve had at Farmstead Arts, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our community. Thanks to you, we continue to provide a space for art and creativity to thrive.
This year, we enjoyed many exciting milestones including sold-out performances and theater productions and well-received art shows. We celebrated when one of our talented artists sold her very first painting right here at Farmstead Arts and when one of our potters proudly reached the significant achievement of selling his 50th piece of pottery.
But there’s more to our story. A big part of our mission is to restore and preserve the historic Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead, which dates back to 1717. For over 20 years, we’ve worked hard to care for this important site, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made in restoring many of the buildings on the property.
This year, we’re excited to share that we have been recommended to receive a NJ Historic Preservation Fund grant of $577,384 to rebuild the Wagon House as a Welcome Center. These funds will be added to the grant awarded last year by Somerset County to restore and improve the campus, including the addition of new bathrooms and a catering kitchen in the Cowshed and fans in the barn and additional ADA parking nearby. This is a huge step forward in preserving the Farmstead for future generations, but 100% of these grant funds must be used for capital improvements.
This is where we need your help. As we preserve these additional spaces for use, our operations costs rise. Your donation will ensure that we not only continue offering the workshops, performances, exhibits and lectures that make Farmstead Arts such a special place, but expand our programming and events. Every contribution makes a real difference in supporting the arts and protecting the history we hold dear.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We can’t wait to share more exciting moments with you in the year ahead.
With heartfelt thanks,
Leslie
Leslie Workman
President, Board of Trustees
The Friends of the Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead, Inc., is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Please consult your individual legal or tax advisor for advice regarding your tax situation.