Dear Editor,
Sometimes I cannot believe how fortunate we are to have in New Canaan, an institution dedicating itself to bringing forward issues that affect us as a culture and a global community; and that does this on an open preserve of environmentally protected property that they share with the community. There is serenity, peace, education and understanding emanating from this one oasis from our busy lives.
As a not-for-profit, Silvermine is particularly supported by Grace Farms. As an arts school and arts center, we fortunately fall into two of Grace Farms’ five initiatives. Grace Farms has lifted us to new heights. First of all, they hosted a gathering of local 501c3 organizations where we sat together and told about each of our initiatives. Then GF encouraged us to meet each other to form relationships and follow up on collaborations and partnerships, which continue to date.
Grace Farms generously hosted Silvermine’s annual benefit last May where Bob Duff and David Green joined us for cocktails. Silvermine was able to support operating expenses and our outreach education programs in Stamford and Norwalk.
To chart a strategic direction leading to Silvermine’s centennial in five years, Grace Farms Foundation offered a space grant to hold a symposium of board members and management with key speakers from the Cultural Alliance, Wadsworth Atheneum and other private sector partners to inspire our strategic direction. Getting off the Silvermine campus and onto the bucolic setting of Grace Farms made the day enlightening and highly productive. Overall, it was an extremely successful day leading to consensus on our plan.
I could say much more about how enlightening the justice programs are—opening my eyes to issues I never knew; or just being able to spend time with a friend on a winter day while sitting in the warmth of the glass commons. I greatly appreciate all that Grace Farms stands for and all that it does for the community. I am grateful for the care everyone involved with the organization takes of the property and the atmosphere of wellbeing that abounds.
Rose-Marie Fox
Board of Trustees Chair, Silvermine Arts Center