Capital Campaign Overview
For more than 50 years, Fuller Craft Museum has evolved alongside the arts and the community it serves. Made possible through the generosity of Myron Leslie Fuller, the Brockton Art Center-Fuller Memorial opened in 1969 and became the Fuller Museum of Art on its twentieth anniversary. In 2001, the Museum began shifting its focus to contemporary craft, formally becoming Fuller Craft Museum in 2004.
Learn more about Fuller Craft Museum’s History
Since accessioning our first piece, Salome by Elbert Weinberg, in 1968, our collection has grown to more than 1,800 objects by 761 artists, spanning wood, metal, glass, ceramic, fiber, and beyond, making Fuller Craft New England’s destination for contemporary craft.
Now, we are at a critical juncture. Our current facilities lack sufficient space to properly store and care for this growing collection, challenging our ability to responsibly steward these important works and continue building one of the nation’s leading collections of contemporary craft.
We invite you to help shape the museum’s next chapter by investing in spaces, programs, and experiences that will serve generations to come. We are pleased to announce our fundraising campaign for the Paul J. Smith Collections Center and Accessibility Upgrades Project, which includes a Collection Resource and Study Room, ADA-compliant improvements such as an accessible ramp at the main entrance and a new elevator, and a refreshed education entrance featuring the Rain and Reflection Garden. Donors like you are making it possible.
Building the Next Chapter
As New England’s only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary craft, Fuller Craft Museum has long been a place where artists, students, families, and visitors come together to explore creativity, spark dialogue, and build community. As we enter an exciting new chapter, our Capital Campaign will strengthen the museum’s campus, expand access, and ensure Fuller Craft Museum continues to inspire and serve our community.
A Look at What’s Ahead
The projects supported through the Capital Campaign will enhance the museum experience while honoring the character and mission that make Fuller Craft Museum so special. Explore the vision for a more welcoming, accessible, and engaging campus designed to inspire creativity and connection.
Robert Engle, Paul Smith Pot
Photo: Will Howcroft
See the Vision
Discover what makes Fuller Craft Museum unique and learn why this transformative project represents such an exciting opportunity for our future. Explore the plans, the impact, and the possibilities that will help us preserve, celebrate, and share contemporary craft for years to come.
Paul J. Smith Collections Center
The Paul J. Smith Collections Center will feature expanded, state-of-the-art collection storage designed to meet professional museum standards.
Collection Resource & Study Room
A visible storage collections study room will be an innovative, transparent space that allows visitors to view select stored objects and learn more about the museum’s collection through an interactive digital interface and research library.
Main Entrance Update
A redesigned main entrance will create a more welcoming, accessible arrival experience for every visitor. The project will improve access, enhance first impressions, and provide a more inviting gateway to Fuller Craft Museum.
Accessibility Updates
The Museum will make significant ADA accessibility improvements, including the installation of an elevator to provide full access to both levels, updated entrances, and building code upgrades. A new fire suppression system will also protect the Museum’s collection, loaned artwork, and everyone who visits.
Where Your Support Makes an Impact
Every gift helps strengthen Fuller Craft Museum and advance its mission. Support for this campaign will create meaningful, lasting impact by improving our campus, expanding accessibility, enhancing the visitor experience, growing educational programs and exhibitions, deepening community engagement, and ensuring the museum’s long-term sustainability. Your generosity translates into real outcomes: greater access to the arts, stronger programs, more welcoming spaces, and a thriving cultural resource.
Why We Give
Our Board of Directors believes deeply in the museum’s mission and its ability to transform lives through craft. Their personal reflections speak to the importance of investing in Fuller Craft Museum and the lasting impact this campaign will have on our community.
Terumi Irizawa, Board of Directors, Secretary and Capital Campaign Committee Chair
As a Board Member at the Fuller Craft Museum, I am proud to support the museum’s Capital Campaign because it represents an investment in both the museum and the community that it serves. I am excited to be a member of the Capital Campaign Committee, as we will help create lasting improvements that ensure that the Fuller Craft Museum will continue to inspire creativity, connection, and access for generations to come.
Sarah Richards, Board of Directors, Vice Chair
I proudly support the Fuller Craft Museum because it offers exceptional opportunities for our students at every level. Our students are given meaningful opportunities to experience and showcase their creativity. Having a museum in their own backyard makes these experiences even more powerful and accessible. Fuller Craft Museum is an amazing community partner that truly puts Brockton students at the forefront of its mission, enriching their education and inspiring the next generation of artists.
Chris Rifkin, Board of Directors
First time visitors often exclaim that Fuller Craft Museum is such a jewel. Yes, it is, and it will continue to be as we expand our collection storage and add further ADA improvements. Our doors are open for all to come and experience our exhibitions, art classes, educational programming and community events. I am looking forward to our next chapter, and am excited for the future of the only craft museum in New England, where we exhibit and collect art made using the hands and the hearts of our artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions about the campaign, giving opportunities, and how your support will make an impact. We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions below.
What is the goal of the Capital Campaign?
The campaign seeks to raise $5.5 million to fund the Paul J. Smith Collections Center and Accessibility Upgrades Project at Fuller Craft Museum.
What will this expansion include?
The project includes:
- Over 4,000 square feet of additional space
- Expanded collection storage
- Exhibition preparation and workshop space
- A visible storage collections study room
- Refreshed accessible education entrance
- A scenic rain and reflection garden
- ADA accessibility upgrades
- Elevator installation
- Fire suppression system improvements
What is the Paul J. Smith Collections Center?
The Paul J. Smith Collections Center will be a purpose-built expansion dedicated to preserving and caring for the Museum’s growing permanent collection while also creating new opportunities for research, learning, and visitor engagement.
Will the public be able to access the collection?
Yes. A visible storage study room and interactive learning tools will provide visitors with new opportunities to explore and learn from the collection.
How does this project benefit the community?
The project strengthens educational programming, improves accessibility, preserves cultural resources, and creates more opportunities for public engagement with contemporary craft.
How much has already been raised?
The Museum has already secured $3.25 million in commitments from private foundations and donations.
Who was Paul J. Smith?
Paul J. Smith was one of the most influential leaders in the history of the American studio craft movement. As Director of the American Craft Museum (now the Museum of Arts and Design in New York), he championed generations of artists and helped elevate contemporary craft on the national and international stage. A longtime friend and supporter of Fuller Craft Museum, Paul generously bequeathed his renowned studio craft collection to the Museum in 2023, one of the most significant gifts in its history. The Paul J. Smith Collections Center honors his enduring legacy of stewardship, mentorship, and commitment to preserving contemporary craft for future generations.
Why is collection storage so important?
Museum collections require stable, secure, professionally designed environments to ensure long-term preservation. Expanded storage will allow Fuller Craft to responsibly care for its growing collection and continue accepting significant works from artists and collectors.
Why are accessibility upgrades part of the project?
Fuller Craft Museum is committed to ensuring that all visitors can fully experience the Museum. The project includes improvements that will provide access to both levels of the building and create more welcoming entrances and pathways throughout the Museum.
Naming Opportunities
As part of Fuller Craft Museum’s $5.5 million Capital Campaign, a select number of Naming Opportunities are available through the Paul J. Smith Collections Center and Accessibility Upgrades Project. Opportunities include the Collection Resource & Study Room, Main Entrance, Public Elevator, Education Entrance, and more.
Learn more about available opportunities and how you can make an impact
With Gratitude
The future of Fuller Craft Museum is made possible through the generosity of those who believe in the power of contemporary craft to inspire, educate, and connect communities. We are deeply grateful to the individuals, families, foundations, corporations, and community partners whose support is helping transform our museum for future generations. Together, we are building a more accessible, welcoming, and vibrant Fuller Craft Museum, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive for years to come.
The donors recognized below have made this vision possible through their generous contributions to the campaign.
$1.5M+ Visionary
- Anonymous
$1M–$1,499,999 Legacy
- Windgate Foundation
$500K–$999,999 Leadership
- Chris Rifkin
$250K–$499,999 Cornerstone
- Lenore G. Tawney Foundation
$100K–$249,999 Transformational
$50K–$99,999 Discovery
$10K–$49,999 Community Champions
$5K–$9,999 Advocates
$1000–$4,999 Friends
- John T. Beaty Jr. and Anne L. Mehringer
- Rebecca Ravenal
Up to $999 Supporters
- Catherine McLetchie
- Gwen and Jerome Paulson
- Glenn Pransky
Make Your Gift Today
Your generosity supports Fuller Craft Museum’s mission and helps ensure contemporary craft continues to educate, inspire, and bring people together. Gifts of all kinds, including one-time contributions, multi-year pledges, corporate partnerships, and planned gifts, help create lasting opportunities for artists, learners, and visitors.
Donate Online
Make a secure online contribution using the donation form below or by clicking the Make Your Gift button above to donate directly.
Help Shape the Future of Fuller Craft Museum
Every contribution, regardless of size, helps move this vision forward. Together, we can ensure Fuller Craft Museum remains a place where creativity flourishes, artists are celebrated, and our community continues to connect through the power of contemporary craft.