Ode to a Communal Table

At 3711 Studios, we’re lucky enough to have 8 private studios and a communal work room. It's nice to focus on work in a private space, and then wander out for inspiration and community between emails. In the center of our communal work room is a wooden table built by one of our tenants. It’s a large untreated wood table, sturdy, with some orange duct tape around the edges. Nothing fancy, but I swear this table is the beating heart of our space. 

You never know what you’ll find on the table. Some weeks an in progress hand painted sign or a new spray painted stencil. Sometimes a community plantain chip ranking or a fresh loaf of sourdough. Almost always, you’ll find a conversation to distract you from whatever it is you can’t bear to think about anymore. I’ve learned a lot about my co-tenants from what they’ve brought to the table (literally), community is funny like that. Everyone in our space is radically different, but seeing the remnants of their art practice and their unfinished projects has made me less critical of myself and more inspired than I’ve ever been. It’s vulnerable to show up and create with others, but it’s necessary.

-Sam Hamilton, Studio Manager