A Journey Through Open Studios, Where Creativity Ignites Community and Transcends Boundaries | AmFab Studios | Open Studios | 11-12 Nov 2023

In this past weekend's cool crisp November air, the doors of American Fabrics Arts Building in Bridgeport, Connecticut were wide open, inviting us to partake in the magic of its creations during AmFab Studios two-day open studios event. Within the hallowed halls of the historic edifice, we found a nurturing abode to over 30 local artists for their innovative enterprises. A sensory tapestry awaited, weaving together a kaleidoscope of artistic endeavors and various realms of painting, photography and alternative photography, sculptures, woodworking, quilt making, textile arts, typography, mixed media, and ceramics, to name a few.

Wandering through the corridors, we encountered the studios of creators like Emily Larned, Kelly Rosetti, Thomas Mezzanotte, Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong, Richard Killeaney, and Joanie Landau. The air hummed with the collective energy of artistic passion as diverse as the mediums that adorned each space. We quickly realized that the American Fabrics Arts Building wasn’t just a physical space with interesting works displayed; it was a living testament to a vibrant community housed within it — a community thriving on creativity, individuality, collaboration, and an understanding that there, within it, inspiration had found fertile grounds.

While navigating the venue, I was immediately transported back to my writing residency with artists at Chateau d’Orquevaux in Orqueavaux, France and the talented artists and community thriving within its walls. Then, as I looked at the AmFab studios space, my mind now inspired, delved into the potential for multi-disciplinary collaboration spanning a diverse array of industry sectors. I realized that from within spaces akin to AmFab’s or Chateau d’Orquevaux’s artistic havens, humanity could stand to gain immensely from potential synergies forged between our creative minds and professionals in fields like policy-making, literature, science, education, farmers, architecture, and technology. By fostering an environment where artists and professionals from varied disciplines work and explore ideas in tandem, a fertile ground for innovative thinking and holistic problem-solving could be cultivated.

Envisioning the development of such venues through the acquisition and renovation of underutilized or abandoned industrial buildings, storefronts, chateaus, rural watermills, ranches, and other unique dwellings surfaced in my mind. This approach would not only provide a vibrant home for creators and those working alongside them, but also bestow broader benefits to the communities in which house these spaces, revitalizing once-vacant structures and contributing socially, culturally and economically to their local landscape, and potentially beyond.

Regardless of what the future holds, spending time in the open studios housed within American Fabrics Arts Building was inspiring, an immersion into the pulsating heart of artistic innovation and community spirit. As we exited the building with our purchases in hand, the echo of creativity lingered, leaving an indelible mark on the perception of what's possible when creative minds and community converge. AmFab Studios' open studio weekend not only showcased the incredible talent nestled just outside of New York City, in the heart of Bridgeport and Fairfield County, Connecticut, but also ignited a contemplation within me on the transformative power of collaborative creativity in shaping our future. The experience serves as a reminder that within the walls of artist studios and similar spaces, the alchemy of inspiration continues to thrive, promising a legacy of creativity that can transcend the boundaries.

Thanks for reading! Thoughts?