Being one of few Black women to spend time in woodshops, I know firsthand how intimidating the experience can be. At the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, the dedicated staff are committed to inspiring lifelong learning in craft and creativity for all. We are actively grappling with what it means to be a radically welcoming organization and how to create radically welcoming classrooms and beginning to try out new programs and initiatives.

This Fall, funded by the Eliot School, I invited a small group of Black women to learn some woodworking basics. We supported, encouraged, and challenged each other. This experience filled my soul.

For my birthday, this year I am raising funds to continue to develop and offer programs that are developed for identities that have been historically excluded from craft institutions. I will match all funds up to $1,000. Your $10 will actually be $20 or your $1,000 will be $2,000. Join me in supporting programming that intentionally invites all identities to experience the transformative power of making with our hands as we shape our future.