A new creative chapter is beginning in Point Roberts!
Resilient Point Roberts is launching a Makers Guild with a makerspace and shared studio/cooperative retail space, where community can come together and local creatives can thrive.
A makers guild is a community of creators — from professional artisans to hobbyists — who share resources, knowledge, and support for mutual benefit. The Point Roberts Makers Guild seeks to promote handcraft, art, and other locally designed and/or produced goods, as well as uplift the makers who live and work here. While this is not a new idea in the community, it has been revived due to the opportunity to operate out of 5-Mile-Square studio (previously the National Real Estate building) on Gulf Rd.
Together we will explore the possibilities of what this space can become and connect with others who are passionate about building our cultural economy.
Read more below about the vision behind this initiative from local resident and maker Rhys-Thorvald Hansen.
A letter from Rhys,
This last summer I opened up my art studio for open-houses each Saturday, and got the opportunity to meet so many new neighbors and friends. So many shared stories of their own art practices, reminisced about the Blue Heron art gallery that had and asked if I would consider putting other’s work in my store. Others asked about classes (for adults or kids) and what other creative opportunities there might be locally. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to chat with people and know more of my neighbors on both sides of the border.
This fall, I moved my studio into the former national real estate (NRS) building, and I want to share this space in a way that uplifts creatives in Point Roberts and otherwise grows our local cultural economy. I reached out to Resilient Point Roberts to team up and launch a local makers guild. Our working mission is to promote locally made products as well as increase engagement with Point Roberts makers.
In the former NRS building, I have a small retail space that I would like to cooperatively operate, as well as a community room we could (with some sweat equity) turn into a shared studio or makerspace. I’d like to hear from the community about what you think would be the best use of the space. We are hosting meetings in November and December to get community input and solicit volunteers to participate.
There is also one more private studio for rent for artists/handcraft/makers on the ground floor of the building. Please contact me directly at 425-238-0832 phone/whatsapp if you are interested in more details. All other inquiries should go to Resilient Point Roberts email: resilientpointroberts@gmail.com.
I am excited to hear from each of you, and to see what we can grow together.