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“Nothing can prepare you for a disaster.”

While away at a show in July 2010 Kimberly’s world turned upside down with one short call from her daughter: “Stay calm…your studio is on fire.” A devastating electrical fire combined with hours of water to combat it turned her 3,000 sq. foot studio and its 25-year collection of machines and tools into water, soot, mildew, rust and ashes.

Within 10 days of submitting a request for assistance, Kimberly received a grant and a no-interest loan from CERF+. In the weeks to follow, CERF+ staff was able to garner significant in-kind contributions (a booth fee waiver from the American Craft Council, equipment from Stanley Black & Decker Corporation and building materials from Lowe’s).

“There were times when I wanted to give up. Thanks to people like CERF+, I have not.”

The first body of work she’s created since the fire is called “The Gift of Receiving” and was, she notes, “welcomed with hugs, stories, tears and…yes, sales.”

Kimberly Wilcox online