In 2011 we have dedicated our rowing trip to raising money to help Artistic Roots, the cooperative art gallery in Plymouth, NH of which Heather is the president of the Board of Directors. "Roots" as it is known locally and affectionately is a cooperative with about 45 members who are juried in artists in a variety of media who share the task of operating the gallery, pay a  monthly membership and benefit from having a retail outlet for their work paying only a 6 to 10% commission depending on whether the sale is by cash or credit card.

The gallery also provides classes for anyone wishing to learn and has recieved a grant to provide such classes in the Plymouth community. Now that Roots has moved into an accessible space on Main Street complete with no curb and an accessible bathroom the popularity of these classes is showing signs of rapid growth. The funds raised on our rowing trip will go to paying off loans taken to pay for the needed improvements to the space and to fund other improvements which will insure the success of this wonderful place. Truly it is one of the best shops in which to find fine and unique gifts for many occasions. There are several excellent potters, water color artists, photographers, woodworkers, furniture makers, a blacksmith, fine silver and glass jewelers, quilters, and many others. If you are a yacht owner you can even order a beautiful half hull custom made of your sail boat! Of course, my personal favorite is the felted wool art that Heather produces and will probably add to while we are rowing! No one makes felted hats, hand bags and little animals that compare.

I urge you to check out Roots' website at www.artisticroots.com and of course show them your support by doing your gift shopping there the next time you are near Plymouth.