Dear Readers,
Many thanks to those who have contributed to Two Coats of Paint’s 2025 Year-end Campaign. About five weeks remain, and we could use quite a bit more help. For those who have not yet made a move, I urge you to make your tax-deductible contribution soon.
For twenty years I have been able to publish Two Coats of Paint on a very modest budget, bolstered by your generous contributions. You help pay the server and newsletter subscription fees (which rise every year), modest writers’ honoraria, production assistants’ compensation, and a small portion of overhead. To the extent possible, I supplement the budget through advertising, speakers’ fees, the residency program, painting sales, and teaching.
Last year at this time, after the election, we knew times would be tough. I understand that this has been a hard year for most everyone, especially in the art world. Art sales are down, university art programs are cutting back as student applications drop, liberal arts programs are under siege, government workers have suffered massive layoffs, and major media outlets have seen unprecedented consolidation. At the same time, it’s more important than ever to keep small outlets for independent writing alive and kicking, not least those embracing art. As Matthew Arnold famously put it: “Art is still truth. Take refuge there.”
All best,
Sharon Butler
Publisher and founder of Two Coats of Paint
Click here to contribute to the Two Coats 2025 Year-end Fundraising Campaign
