named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Clay Studio Classes & Workshops
Year-round ceramic instruction for all ages and skill levels, including wheel throwing, hand building, and sculpture
Open Studio Program
Provides experienced potters access to shared studio tools, glazes, and firing equipment for personal projects
Seasonal Exhibitions
Hosts rotating art exhibitions featuring member artists and guest artists, including themed shows like 'A Square Deal' and 'Cultivated'
Smithy Gallery Membership Program
Supports local artists by offering exhibition opportunities and professional development through a juried membership process
activities · 2 groups
What they do
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Community Art Education Workshops 2 activities
- Managing open studio access for ceramicistsProvides open studio sessions for experienced ceramicists and class participants to work on personal projects, with no instruction offered. Access is available through 8-week sessions at $180 or $30 per drop-in visit, including glazing and firing, with clay available for purchase on-site.
- Providing year-round ceramics education programsOffers ceramics classes and workshops for individuals of all ages and skill levels through the Smithy Clay Studio, using hand-building techniques and creative exploration. Programs are available in 4, 6, and 8-week sessions and are taught by experienced instructors with formal training in art and ceramics education.
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Curated Art Exhibitions and Public Displays 2 activities
- Operating a community art gallery with seasonal exhibitionsHosts rotating seasonal exhibitions featuring work by local and regional fine artists and craftsmen in a historic gallery space with three floors of exhibition areas. Recent exhibitions include themed shows such as "Cultivated: Around the Garden Wall" and "A Square Deal: Small Works Exhibition," with regular gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday, 11am–4pm.
- Supporting member artists through dedicated exhibition opportunitiesOrganizes and hosts exhibitions specifically for member artists, including the annual "A Square Deal" small works exhibition featuring artworks up to 10 inches, and provides ongoing gallery programming that includes both member and invited guest artists.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$423K
Contributions & grants$267K63%
Program service revenue$64K15%
Investment income$85K20%
Other revenue$7K
expenses
Total expenses$229K
Program expenses65%
Admin / overhead21%
Fundraising13%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$2.34M
Cash$100K
Investments$1.76M
Liabilities$2K
Net assets$2.33M
Liquid reserves97.5 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +178.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 11
- BILL SCHAEFFER — Director
- CHARLES KIELER — Treasurer
- CHERYL WRIGHT — President
- CR JONES — Director
- DIANNE KULL — Director
- DONALD RADDATZ — Vice President
- JENNIFER VICTORY — CO SECRETARY
- LORI SOLENSTEN — Secretary
- TED SPENCER — Director
- THOMAS LIEBER — Director
- WILL GREEN — Director
relationships · 12
Who they work with
- Ann Geiger Partner — Clay Studio Manager at The Smithy
- Cooperstown Art Association Partner — Coordinates exhibition operations with the Cooperstown Art Association, including closure notices during shared events.
- Cooperstown Art Association Partner — Manages gallery operations and membership applications through a shared email address.
- Guest Artists Partner — Invites guest artists to participate in curated exhibitions.
- Janet Erway Partner — Executive Director of The Smithy
- John Aborn Partner — Gallery Manager at The Smithy
- Lake & Valley Garden Club Partner — Collaborated with the Lake & Valley Garden Club to present a photography exhibition.
- Megan Adams Irving Partner — Clay Studio Manager at The Smithy
- Member Artists Network — Network of artists affiliated with the gallery through membership and exhibition opportunities.
- Smithy Member Artists Partner — Collaborates with member artists to feature their work in exhibitions.
- The Garden Club of America Network — Lake & Valley Garden Club is a member of The Garden Club of America, which supports educational initiatives in horticulture and conservation.
- thesmithyclaystudio Partner — Hosts class and event updates on Instagram under the handle @thesmithyclaystudio.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Shared-Resource Studio Model for Equitable Access 150 orgsmethodology: shared-resource_studio_modelBy providing shared access to studio tools, materials, and firing resources through class and open studio registration, the organization lowers barriers to ceramic arts participation because equitable access to equipment supports inclusive engagement across skill levels and economic backgrounds.shared approach: Equitable Access Through Barrier Reduction →
- Thematic Curatorial Approach to Deepen Engagement 5 orgsmethodology: thematic_curatorial_approachBy organizing exhibitions around curated themes, the organization fosters emotional and conceptual engagement with art because thematic frameworks guide both creation and interpretation, encouraging viewers to explore human relationships with natural and symbolic spaces.shared approach: Thematic Interdisciplinary Framing →
- Community-Centered Arts and Educationmethodology: community-centered_arts_and_educationBy integrating historic preservation with contemporary arts programming and offering accessible educational opportunities, the organization fosters cultural engagement and lifelong learning because shared cultural spaces and inclusive programming enable diverse audiences to connect with art on personal and communal levels.
- Creative-Expressive Pedagogy with Interdisciplinary Integrationmethodology: creative_expressive_pedagogy, interdisciplinary_learningBy teaching ceramics as a medium for personal expression and integrating scientific thinking into artistic practice, the organization promotes deeper learning and engagement because blending creativity with analytical inquiry makes the arts more accessible and intellectually enriching.
- Small-Scale Art Engagement Strategymethodology: small_scale_engagementBy focusing on small-scale artworks in exhibitions and programming, the organization encourages close observation and intimate engagement because smaller formats prompt viewers to slow down and attend to detail, fostering deeper personal connections with art.