Leading Charitable Foundation Invests in Future of Brookfield Craft Center

From the Brookfield Craft Center:

The Windgate Charitable Foundation, Inc. has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Brookfield Craft Center to expand the Good Forge, a center of excellence for traditional blacksmithing and steel blade crafting on the center’s scenic campus located in Brookfield, CT.

This generous award represents another facet of investment in revitalizing the Craft Center for a strong future. With continued focus by a new Board of Directors and executive director Howard Lasser, the Center is increasing enrollment, expanding community access, and preserving the campus as high priorities. The expansion of the Good Forge is a first step in planned improvements to the facilities, and in expanding the Center’s commitment to traditional and fine crafts.

“We are thrilled to have been recognized by the Windgate Foundation with this award,” said Mary Daniel, Board Chairperson. “This grant continues our ongoing relationship with the Windgate Foundation and is a strong recognition that our plan is the right one for continued growth and preservation of a Brookfield treasure.”

Recent Activity at the Good Forge

The Center hosted a demonstration day on October. 17, welcoming over 100 guests, many of whom had not before visited the ceramic, fiber, glass, jewelry and newly opened wood turning studios. On hand in the forge were master craftsmen Chris Doherty and Andrew Chapman to share their craft and class overview with visitors. Also sharing his insight and teaching was blacksmith and sword maker Matthew Parkinson, recent winner of the Forged in Fire competition on the History Channel, which can be viewed at the website http://www.history.com/shows/forged-in-fire/videos.

Matthew Parkinson at work in the Good Forge, Brookfield Craft Center Demo Day, October, 17, 2015.

Currently, the Good Forge houses two coal forges, two propane forges, safety equipment, and hand and power tools needed to forge, sharpen and finish blades, tools, and functional and decorative steel objects. The Center’s blacksmithing and bladesmithing workshops cater to all levels of students.

“We’re excited to be able to invest even more in the Good Forge offerings,” said Howard Lasser, Executive Director of the Brookfield Craft Center. “The Windgate Foundation contribution will put us into the first rank of blacksmithing facilities in the tri-state area, and the largest in Connecticut in a dedicated craft school. “

Upcoming Classes and Events

The Center offers classes in traditional crafts, taught by inspired and dedicated instructors, and is developing a lecture series on contemporary crafting topics. For more information about upcoming classes and events, interviews with our talented faulty, and donor and volunteer opportunities, visit our website www.brookfieldcraft.org or call us at 203-775-4526.

The Brookfield Craft Center’s annual Holiday Sale wills kick-off on Friday, November 13, with a tax-free shopping event. Wine and refreshments will be served. The Gallery Shop is currently open Friday 11-4pm, Saturday 11-5pm and Sunday 12 – 4pm. Holiday shopping hours will be Wednesday – Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 11-5pm and Sunday 12-4pm.

The Brookfield Craft Center is a 501© 3 non-profit corporation.

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