Grass Roots Arts and Community Effort (G.R.A.C.E.) is an organization dedicated to the discovery, development, and promotion of self-taught art to elders and other underserved populations in Vermont. The organization was founded 40 years ago, has a staff of seven full and part-time employees, an Americorp volunteer, contracts with over 30 teaching artists, and hosts over 500 workshops a year.  G.R.A.C.E provides workshops in places such as nursing homes, mental health centers, senior meal sites, adult day centers, and artists’ homes, ensuring that they are reaching vulnerable and often overlooked individuals.  Through a newly formed partnership with the Spark program in Greensboro, G.R.A.C.E. is providing high-speed internet and access to advanced technology (including 3-D printers, large format printers) to support community entrepreneurship and local middle and high school students. G.R.A.C.E’s impact is continuing to expand and will offer increased studio art classes, youth programming, partnerships with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits. 

G.R.A.C.E. is located in Hardwick’s historic firehouse. Originally built c.1885 as The Advent Christian Church, the building was transformed and served as the town’s firehouse for 71 years before private owners purchased and partially remodeled the building in 1985. Since 2000, G.R.A.C.E. has owned and operated out of this building, and has worked to maintain and restore the historic elements of the structure including the bell tower and facade.

A Preservation Grant of $50,000 will support needed foundation repairs, a new roof and upgrades to the fire alarm and sprinkler system. Total estimated project costs are $120,000. This grant will build upon a previous grant awarded in 2000.