A New Art Studio
Last night I was officially introduced to my new art studio! It’s a gorgeous space, formerly occupied by my friend Cristina Velazquez, who’s working on a large-scale installation with over 400 unwanted VHS tape. (If you live in the Bay Area and want to join her for a VHS tape knit-in this week, more details can be found here.)
I applied to be an artist in the Cubberley Artists’ Studios Program in Palo Alto earlier this summer, and recently learned that I was granted a spot! I’ve been eyeing these spaces for YEARS, and to say that I’m excited about moving in is an understatement.
The program is housed in the former Cubberley High School complex, along with other community-based programs such as preschools, dance classes, and continuing education classes. It’s a remarkable reuse of what might have been an otherwise vacant space, and I’m honored to soon be a part of this community magic.
They hosted a welcome event last night where I found out which studio would become the new home of my art initiatives and big tinkering plans. Most of the 28 artists were there, and a highlight was getting to peek into all of the incumbent artist studios. I didn’t get permission to share any of their spaces (yet) and hope to introduce you to some of them in the upcoming months.
My Former Art Studio
As you might know, I’ve been working out of our small home for the past many years 🙂 You can take a look at our current maker space here. I love this space, but it has been getting cramped, and it will be SO nice to reclaim my home for, you know, living in.
My kids will undoubtedly continue to make this space their own, but I’m sure they’ll also make their way into my new studio since I don’t do a very good job at separating my work from them. As such, I have a feeling that the content of this blog may reflect some of these physical changes.
TinkerSpaces
In case you’re not already privy to the awesome spaces I’ve been sharing here, you might enjoy the Tinkering Spaces Series. These are largely home and community-based spaces that support tinkering and making.
More Art Studios on TinkerLab
I’m obviously an enthusiastic proponent of art studios — either at home or off-site — and I’m eager to make this topic a larger part of TinkerLab. If you have a moment to fill out this QUICK survey, I’d be so grateful!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see it take shape…
Thank you so much, Mariah! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next too.
Dear friend, what a delight it is to know that what used to be my beloved studio, will now be yours.
Know that I left the studio blessed and that your energy is welcome.
Best wishes and felicitaciones.
Cristina Velazquez
Visual Artist & Friend
Cristina! The studio is filled with so much good energy — thank you. And thank you for the continuing inspiration. You’re welcome back anytime.
xo, Rachelle
Yay! That is so exciting! I can’t wait to see everything you do with this space and all of the tinkering that will happen here.
Congratulations Rachelle!
Thanks so much, Megan! I’m anticipating lots of fun and exciting projects ahead. Maybe I can twist your arm to come down and play once things are underway.
[…] over them with watercolors. We then hung the bunting up as one of our first decorations in the new studio. […]