Building for the Next Century of Craft

New classroom studios honor SHI’s educational mission and artistic legacy Illustrations by Kate Brewer

As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, Sandwich Home Industries is undertaking a major renovation of the lower level of its historic Main Street building, transforming a longtime classroom area into an updated educational space for the community.

The renovated lower level will feature dedicated ceramics and printmaking studios, improved work areas, expanded classroom space, a utility counter and sink area, and a new accessible restroom. The redesigned layout will create a more functional and welcoming environment for students and instructors while preserving the spirit of creativity and craftsmanship that has defined SHI for generations.

We are grateful for gifts we’ve received from individual donors as well as from the Quimby Trust, Meredith Village Savings Bank, and the League of NH Craftsmen, all of which are helping to make this transformation possible. Building renovations will be completed in time for classes to begin in June, and it is our hope to secure additional funding to fully equip the new printmaking and ceramics studios in time for next summer’s class season.

According to Building Committee Chair Chase Rozelle, the restroom is now complete, while wallboard installation, painting, and final cleaning are currently underway. “The classroom space will provide a high-quality facility for our community to foster our educational mission,” said Rozelle. “We are grateful for the generous donors and volunteers who are helping to bring the project across the finish line.”

Classes and workshops have been central to the SHI mission for 100 years. One of founder Mary Coolidge’s original goals was to preserve traditional crafts by hiring local craftspeople as teachers and making instruction accessible to the community. Today, that educational mission remains at the heart of Sandwich Home Industries and continues to support its role as a nonprofit arts organization and a place where we celebrate community, creativity, and fine craftsmanship.