Ten years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Irene Zambelli Silverman. We were introduced by a mutual aquaintance who knew we both had an interest in embroidery. Her interest was in hand embroidery and mine was computerized. Her mother was a seamstress and hand embroiderer for many of the New York couture houses and continued knitting, embroidering, sewing, and quilting until her death. Irene and her mother were inseperable and were more like best friends than mother and daughter and in memory of her mother Irene set up the Coby Foundation to promote the creation of all types of needlework arts. unfortunately my good friend Irene was murdered at her townhouse in New York in July of 1998, but her legacy lives on and I know she would be excited to see the many talented people who have benefitted from her generosity. If you have a project that needs funding or would like to put together an exhibit or event to raise the awareness of the often overlooked needle arts contact them at the address below.
By the way The Coby Foundation, Ltd.is in its third year and focuses solely on funding projects in textiles and needle arts. Remember its funding is limited to nonprofit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England.

The Coby Foundation accepts unsolicited proposals and inquiries. Projects may be in arts or humanities, contemporary or historical, but must have a public benefit and combine excellent scholarship and effective interpretation. For more information, contact the director, Ward L. E. Mintz, The Coby Foundation, Ltd., 511 Avenue of the Americas, #387, New York, NY 10011.
Have a great weekend
Ken