Home >> a dream is brewing
December 1, 2009
To all my creative friends out there…we need to chat. When you get an idea and make the time to make it a reality…whether it’s a painting, a book, a quilt, a cake, a banner, or a magazine…how does it feel to hold it in your hand? Good? That’s what I thought. It’s a rush that propels us to the next project. And when our cup is empty, we go looking for inspiration for the next concept. If you’re like me, you have an insatiable desire to produce ideas.
I’ve been thinking about opening a workshop for a long time…years…scribbling ideas in journals. Project ideas, class ideas, objects to look for as materials, studio space, who might come…and now I’m about to launch this concept that I’ve been dreaming about.
Our downsizing adventure has made me realize that I really do need SOME space, so I went looking for it and found it. It’s a really long story about how this space became available, if it all really happens, it will be a miracle.
Anyway, the dream is a workshop & studio where people of all abilities will learn useful skills. Children from 5 – 85 can come learn how to recycle materials into new functional products or learn old fashioned skills that their parents never taught them. Classes will be designed for specific ages and abilities. The whole premise is to empower creativity and ingenuity. If a child learns the basics of sewing, crocheting, knitting, book making, paper making, collage and how to sew on a button or do a whip stitch. Imagine the possibilities for her/his creative development! Found objects can become a piece of art in the right hands.
How about an after school art studio where kids can make stuff…really COOL stuff, not just popcicle stick picture frames, but recycling boxes into gift bags, or catalogs into envelopes, old picture frames into chalk boards…rags into ribbons, shirts into bags or yarn? Upcycling! Repurposing! There really are no limits to the possibilities.
To test the waters, I wrote a proposal for 4 class ideas to the River Forest Park District. They loved the ideas and took me on as a teacher for Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr Saturday mornings.
God willing, The Little Bits Workshop will open in late winter or early spring. Stay tuned! Below is a preliminary logo…subject to evolve….feedback would be greatly appreciated since I don’t have a marketing team working on this…only my own instincts and ideas.
I love it! I am staying tuned for sure.
YES! [insert Margot's "Oh Cool" sign here] This is brilliant and I’m so pleased you’re really making a go of it. I can’t wait to come play at Little Bits! Go Liita!
Gretchen, thanks for the encouragement! I’m equally petrified as I am excited!!
Congratulations! I had a dream of creating a gallery for local folks that operated as a supportive, encouraging venture for artists to try selling all the different stuff they made. With no start up money, just lots of ideas and goodwill I was able to pass up conversations with people who said it couldn’t be done for people who said “good idea” and “what can I do to help”. We just had our 3rd season and it gets better every year. The relationships between artists are sensational and so many wonderful people stop in, each day is a new adventure. I’m very happy for you. I think that creating art; seeking beauty and usefulness in the overlooked or discarded is a noble pursuit.