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The
historic Railyard district, where Santa Fe Clay has made its home since 1974,
is owned by the City of Santa Fe. This 50-acre property has been undergoing
extensive urban redevelopment since the late 1980’s. The City’s Master
Plan for the Railyard envisions a sustainable public space that integrates culturally relevant
artistic and commercial activities. This affects existing businesses as well as
incoming ventures.

As with any civic project of this scope involving diverse players, the complexity of
conflicting interests has created an at-times contentious environment.

The City
agrees that SFC’s model is in keeping with their vision for the future of the
Railyard. However, negotiating the practicalities of the Master Plan has been a
challenge, and for the last five years, Santa Fe Clay’s continued existence in
the Railyard has been uncertain.

We are
thrilled to announce that, after a lengthy process, we have just finalized a
new long-term lease that ensures the future of our home in the Railyard Arts
District for many years to come!

Steven Heinemann Exhibition, 2011

As a condition of this
lease, we have been asked to relocate our gas kiln shed to accommodate our new
neighbor, a cinema that is to begin construction soon. Because of the
permanence afforded by our new lease, we are finally able to realize a
long-awaited expansion! We are seizing this opportunity to construct an 80 x 20
foot addition that will house our relocated gas kiln, a brand new soda kiln and
a bright, sunlit new classroom. This addition also creates an essential entry on
the Railyard plaza, which will increase access and visibility, and will
integrate SFC fully into the Railyard community.

We have already committed $50,000 of our own funds to this project,
and have hired an architect and a contractor. We need to raise an
additional $50,000 to make this dream a reality. Plans are drawn, and
the building is being fabricated. We are ready to go!

Now, we need your support to complete the funding for this project.
So please give as generously as you are able, enjoy the thank-you gifts
and rewards, and help to keep Santa Fe Clay as vital and essential as it
has become to the word of ceramics, both within the Santa Fe community
and beyond.

Each and every pledge matters, at whatever level is right for you. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!