"It's a delight and privilege to witness the energies shared in the joint conversation space that Anne and Daphne managed to set up in one fleeting virtual session."

A Making in Place participant shared that sentiment after the first meeting in January, facilitated by artist and activist Anne Shields Hopkins. There was such a hunger for this kind of connection among creatives that we had to open up an additional discussion group to accommodate.

Making in Place has consisted of regular virtual open studios and discussion spaces for creatives and self-proclaimed “Downeast Dabblers” to gain inspiration, focus, and a sense of community via Zoom while the pandemic prevents in-person gathering. Each week, there have been opportunities to be in creative community with each other and explore the process of being a maker.

In just the first few weeks of the program, Anne noticed “a sweet atmosphere of love” that developed between everyone. One participant shared that she hasn’t been this happy and engaged in a very long time—even before the pandemic. The community connections have supported a piece of her that she didn’t know was lacking attention. Another participant shared, “It’s been really good, and I’m actually kind of shocked at how cool Zoom open studio is!”