In 2022, the Milton Artists' Guild almost closed our doors for good. A lack of funding trapped our organization in precarious position that seemed like the only option would be to shut down the gallery and dismantle the organization.

We weren't the only ones. COVID-19 hit shops, galleries, and event spaces hard, and we were not immune. Our in-person creative workshops faltered as no one was coming out in groups. Shopping went to online, and due to the one-of-a-kind nature of our artisans work, we struggled to adapt.

With a small boost of donations at the end of 2022, plus better sales in the gallery space, we were able to hire Corrina Thurston as our new executive director.

Under the leadership of our new director, with added luck and the benefit of more people willing to come out in groups again, 2023 has been the best year of sales we've ever had, so far. Despite some unexpected challenges, we also had an anonymous donor give us a donation challenge that we met in September, had more success than ever before in acheiving grants, and have worked hard as a team and community to build back our momentum.

Our workshops are thriving and we have been able to get funding to do free art classes EVERY WEEK for kids and their families. We've partnered with the Alzheimer's Association and AgeWell to provide free classes for those with Dementia and their caregivers. We've partnered with 4H to provide free jewelry-making classes for teens. And we've been able to provide a free class every month for artist professional development topics.

We had our most successful community event yet, with Art & Stroll Festival in September, with approximately 1800 people coming from local and surrounding areas to the event.

We had our biggest sales day ever on November 11th, during our ArtFest.

Now, we're gearing up for a busy holiday season and preparing for 2024. We want to keep the momentum going and make sure that we can continue to grow and provide for this community that we love so much. We're in a better place than we were a year ago, but it takes constant effort to keep up.

That's why we are putting together this year-end fundraiser!

To end the year stronger, better, and in a more financially sustainable position than the previous years, we need your help to spread the word, donate, and of course, come shop for all the amazing handmade gifts we have in the gallery space.

When you support the Guild, you are supporting not just our staff and our community who utilizes our workshops and shop, but the 165+ artist-entrepreneurs who sell their goods here.

Arts organizations around the state and the country are struggling and many of our friends have gone out of business entirely. With your help, we can make sure the Milton Artists' Guild does not become one of them.

With much gratitude,

The Milton Artists' Guild Team

Ending 2023 Stronger!

By Milton Artists Guild

Ending 2023 Stronger!

In 2022, we almost closed our doors for good. Help us end 2023 stronger. Help us keep the momentum we've gained this year by donating to our year-end fundraiser!