Private to Public

My studio is at the end of a road, on a steep hill in a residential area but aside from main roads. It’s perfect because it’s private and peaceful, but the downside is that nobody would find here by accident or just stop by. Ideally the studio’s doors would be open and anybody could step in to look at the work or to join a workshop. I realize that it’s not the case, and I need to figure out a way to let people know that I’m here and that they are welcome!

Step one was to have an open house for the neighborhood. It was great to meet people in the neighborhood that are interested in crafts, art and making!

On the Open Studio days I dyed with eucalyptus leaves, red onion skins, black beans, acorn, lichen and a mix of eucalyptus and acorn.

Step two was to spread eye-catching flyers with contact info to local stores and venues where people could be interested in weaving, dyeing and knitting. The efficiency of those flyers remains to be seen…

Next, I contacted and got to know some people in the craft community and persons offering workshop in the area. The field is wide and layered and certainly very different from what it is in my native Finland. The variety of workshops in arts and crafts and the enthusiasm in communities is impressive. There are plenty of possibilities for collaboration and working together and I’m very much looking forward to learning more about the way the local craft and art community operates and offers people possibilities to learn new skills!

Finally, my friend Denise runs a cute little seasonal gift shop and she’s set up my rugs and naturally dyed yarns beautifully amongst their gorgeous wood work. I hope that many people will be seeing my work and learn about the workshops and Auli’s Studio through the Rattletrap Cottage, too.

The Rattletrap Cottage. (Photo by Denise Lussier)