Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Dunn
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Toolbox Collective started with an idea to create an art based community in our corner of the city. My Husband, Jim, and I both went to art school and really missed the open studio atmosphere. We both like to make art individually but we find it beneficial when you can bounce ideas off other creative people, distract yourself with other creative processes or just chat about life!
This dream of ours would never have come to fruition without the generosity and stewardship of the previous owners of the building, Mark and Lucy Elliot. Because of them we were given the opportunity to create a place where people can gather and create art together. We are able to help make our community stronger by providing a space for connection and engagement through art.
At the Toolbox Collective we have semi private art studios, like is common in art school. This allows artists to have their own personal space, but encourages conversations and collaboration among the artists. Along with the rentable studio space, we created a classroom where we invite local artists to share their skills and knowledge. This warm and inviting room can be transformed into an indoor/outdoor space by opening a garage door leading to a beautiful patio, rain garden and gazebo. In these spaces we host events and monthly makers markets so local artists can showcase and sell their work to the public.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Toolbox has been open 2 years now. We are privileged to have a supportive network of family and friends that helped us a lot when we were first getting going. Jim and I both have full time gigs so in the beginning we were putting in very long hours, most nights not getting home until 10pm or later. We are also fortunate to have found a great community of artists, teachers, students, and fellow small businesses. In our experience most people are willing to lend a hand, share their knowledge and resources if you just ask. It makes the process so much easier when you have a network you can rely on.
One of the bigger challenges that we still have today is spreading the word. We want everyone to know about the classes we offer, the markets we host, and the studio space we have for rent. We have so many great artists that teach classes at the Toolbox and sell their work in our markets. Our goal is for The Toolbox to be a place where artists can flourish, make new connections, sell their work, and grow their brand.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Toolbox Collective?
The Toolbox Collective is a “Mom and Pop” shop. We’re just two people, husband and wife, Rachel and Jim. What does that mean for a small business like an art studio? It means that we care. There is no faceless millionaire calling the shots, no team of people making decisions, no board of directors. no marketing team, or maintenance crew. Just two people who want to make an inviting, creative community for all to enjoy. That means if you send us an email, we’ll respond. If you come to a market, we’ll greet you as you walk in. If you take a class in the winter, we shoveled the snow. I’m not telling you this because I think we deserve any praise or acknowledgement. I’m telling you because we care. We care about the artists, the students, our neighborhood, and our customers.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you’re an artist, maker, craftsperson, or creative and you want to get involved with us, reach out through our website, thetoolboxcollective.com. Let us know if your’e interested in teaching a class. We’re always looking for new classes to add to the calendar. Want to be a vendor at one of our markets? Drop us a line. We host them every month.
Not an artist yourself? Sign up for a class with one of our many talented instructors and you might just find your new passion. Or swing by for a market and find some art you can take home with you. By supporting your local artists you are supporting us!
Our website and instagram are full of all our upcoming classes and events.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thetoolboxcollective.com
- Instagram: @thetoolboxcollective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553230641922
