Mindzai Creative and Indie Craft Experience team up for an open craft night
The two creative forces want Atlantans to also get creative - together
Once fully situated in adulthood — void of forced interaction with construction paper or safety scissors — it can be tough to gather a tribe of peers with whom you can co-create — individually but ... also together? Print and design studio Mindzai Creative collaborated with craft market maestros Indie Craft Experience to fix that, thus ushering in monthly Open Art and Craft Nights in the businesses’ shared Candler Park space. CL got with Mindzai’s Susannah Leigh Caviness over email to talk about the event’s inception, the power of community, and muse why Halloween isn’t just every day.
Tell me about how Mindzai and ICE came up with this idea.
All of us sort of came up with the same idea independently and decided to come together. Obviously, it made sense because we all share the same studio (illustrator/artist Barry Lee also shares this space). I have really missed doing the Mindzai art shows at our old space (Thunderbox) and missed the synergy and buzz of getting the community together. ICE already does such a great job at putting on different kinds of art events, workshops, and craft fairs all over the city, so it was pretty easy for us to come together and make some magic happen.
What kind of regularity do you plan to hold these nights?
The art nights are the first Tuesday of every month, from 7-9 p.m. at our studio in Candler Park. All are welcome! BYOB and a project you are working on (whether it be a drawing, knitting project, watercolor, or if you just want to come answer some of those long overdue emails), and come chill with us! The night also coincides with Paper Ghost’s weekly drawing night. They are directly across the street from us, and we’re hoping to turn it into a mini art block-party.
Will any supplies be on-hand for those looking for inspo or to start new projects?
Currently, it will operate as bring-your-own-supplies, but we would love to explore supply donations or sponsorships down the road. Or, if you’re the sharing type, folks are welcome to bring tools and supplies that everyone can use.
Why is it important to create work as part of a community?
I can’t speak for everyone, but personally, I tend to feed off other people’s creative energy. When you’ve got a room full of people doing and making, it just inspires the creative process even more. It’s like a good cup of coffee. My hope is that getting a large group together creates fuel for the fire, and that it challenges people into learning a new craft or expounding on a current one.
How do you envision the evolution of this series to shape bonds throughout Atlanta’s art scene?
We want to create an ope -door for everyone, and be inclusive of all types of artists, and all levels. We want people to feel welcome, loved, and encouraged. It’s a very laid-back atmosphere. I hope that it helps people create lasting connections and friendships, but also facilitates a space to just kick back and make some awesome shit with other people making awesome shit.
What kind of tunes will be on deck?
DJ Spotify Premium will be churning out the beats for our evening. We all have such eclectic taste in music, I imagine there will be a healthy mix of Dum Dum Girls, St. Vincent, The Smiths, Radiohead, and Drake, of course. I’ve also been obsessed with S U R V I V E, the synth band who did the “Stranger Things” score (I am forever not-so-secretly wishing for Halloween). Requests are welcome though!
What other info should interested parties know?
Just show up. It’s open to anyone who wants to come and get out of the house for a bit. Sometimes a change of scenery is all anyone needs for a creative spark.
Open Art and Craft Night. Free. 7-9 p.m. Tues., Aug. 2. Mindzai Creative, 1390 McLendon Ave. N.E. 404-222-9337. www.mindzai.net.