Last week’s headline in the New York Times (“Evacuees’ Lives Still Upended Seven Months After Hurricane”) reminds me, once again, of the ongoing tragedies in New Orleans and Mississippi. I want to close my eyes and make it go away, but for so many, many people, this is just not an option.

Countless artists are among the thousands of people whose lives are in limbo; they have lost their homes, their studios, their tools and equipment. A number of Guild artists were affected, including Mark Rosenbaum whose “Tear Drop Vase” is shown here.

In January, The Guild contributed $10,000 to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). This wonderful organization provides assistance to artists in times of natural disasters, studio fires, and health crises. CERF has launched a major drive to provide loans, grants, and other assistance to artists affected by last year’s hurricanes. This commitment, at a time of so much need, is truly helping artists rebuild their careers.

This newspaper article reminds me of how much still needs to be done. So…I’m going to get out my checkbook and send CERF another check. I entreat you to do the same. (www.craftemergency.org)