Dear SAW Friend,
Thank you for your continued support of Salem Art Works. Since 2005, SAW has supported artists locally, nationally, and internationally, and your generosity has made that work possible.
In March 2025, I shared that SAW was developing a new business model due to the loss of $400,000 in annual funding from three long-time donors. This loss resulted from significant life changes for those donors and was not a reflection of SAW’s mission or impact. I would like to take this opportunity to update you on how this transition is progressing.
Since March, SAW has continued to run programs serving artists from surrounding communities, counties, and internationally. Demand for ceramics, welding, and blacksmithing is strong. We also began renting studio space—something we had not previously done—and have discovered strong demand. A key advantage for these artists is access to our blacksmithing shop, welding bay, and large barn spaces, resources that are difficult to find elsewhere. One current project underway in Barn 2 is a large-scale school bus sculpture—truly amazing work.
We continue to offer residential programs, now structured so that artists pay a fair rate for housing and studio use. The previous model of heavily subsidizing resident artists, while deeply meaningful, was no longer sustainable following the loss of $400,000 in donations. Our new business model is designed to ensure that Salem Art Works remains strong and viable—now and into the future.
An important aspect of SAW’s work that is often understated is its value to the town of Salem and the surrounding communities. Upstate New York has been deeply affected by the departure of major employers and the resulting loss of tax revenue and opportunity. There are few spaces like Salem Art Works where both emerging and established artists can create, connect, and contribute to the cultural life of the region. When I stepped in as Interim Executive Director in March 2025, many community members emphasized how essential SAW is to the area and how strongly they want to see it continue to thrive.
I am pleased to share that SAW is doing well. In 2026, we plan to expand programming further and continue renting additional studio space. To do this, we will continue to rely on the support of donors like you who believe in our mission and our future. Thank you for being part of the Salem Art Works community.
Warm regards,
Jim Letts
Interim Executive Director
Salem Art Works
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Salem Art Works
19 Cary Lane
Salem, NY 12865
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