FUEL OUR MOVE KICKOFF
By Laura Leaverton
On May 1st, Jeffrey Spahn hosted a fundraising event at his home and gallery on Page Street in Berkeley. Jeffrey, a specialist in ceramic art and 20th-century sculpture, welcomed guests into his heart and his unique porcelain home, located only a few blocks from our new location on Camelia and 4th Streets. This event broadened the reach of our Capital Campaign to the 4th Street business community, local artists, community leaders, and arts patrons in the Bay Area. Over 40 attendees helped us raise over $50,000 for the Capital Campaign.
Jeffrey spoke to our guests about the vitality of The Potters’ Studio as an arts organization, the wide reach of our impact on hundreds of people monthly, and the importance of supporting the Capital Campaign to ensure a thriving future for ceramic education in the Gilman District area for decades to come. Keeping 4th Street “artsy”, in a Berkeley kind of way, is important for the character of the neighborhood, and will attract more arts-based businesses, institutions, and communities. Bobbi Fabian, our Executive Director, spoke to guests about the history of The Potters’ Studio, our non-profit journey, and the value of making ceramic arts accessible to all. Scott Jennings, our long-time instructor of handbuilding classes, shared his perspective as a professional artist and why The Potters’ Studio stands out with an unparalleled offering for people of all experience levels with clay. Sandy Sherwin, as co-chair of the Capital Campaign, spoke about our spring campaign and our goal to raise $250k by July 1.
Our heartfelt thanks to Jeffrey Spahn for his generosity in hosting this event and helping us reach a wider community of arts enthusiasts. These types of events are critical to expand our donor base, to foster new relationships with neighbors, to spread the word about our mission and impact, and to ignite excitement for our future.
We couldn’t pull off events like these without our dedicated Member volunteers! Thank you to Kat Mill and Denise Stockman of the Steering Committee for event planning, as well as Renee Inhae Lee, Brian Salem, and Kate Rivera for supporting the event’s day-of needs. Many potters’ hands indeed make light work!
Read more news articles >