#@barrelofmakers

[barrelofmakers]

~Our First Critique Night~ Barrel of Makers' first monthly critique night was a great success--we had works completed and works in progress, visual and written, collage, paint, graphic design, comics, short stories, and clementines (though those were for eating, not critiquing).  Each artist had about fifteen minutes to explain his/her work and listen to others' reactions.  New insights helped each of us get more out of our artwork, and constructive feedback gave us ideas for how to push our work to the next level, or even how to update our artists' statements.  We came away with ideas for a writers workshop, a concept of a database for all our makers' personal websites, and lots and lots of inspiration to create more awesome stuff over the next month! ~Anne Yoncha RSVP on BarrelofMakers.org

[barrelofmakers]

Planning Session Update (6)!

Many of us were unable to attend, so Dan Spinosa lead the meeting.  Thank you Dan!

We, ourselves, are the best marketing vehicles for Barrel of Makers.  We are passionate, and we are curious about the passions of others.

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Here's Dan's recap of what to remember, when having a conversation about Barrel of Makers, and sharing your enthusiasm:

1. Language is important–no closed questions, no questions that make people feel inferior for being amateurs.

2. Dig down in conversation, to find what people are excited about. It doesn't even need to be "making" per se.  

Example: Dan was speaking to a coworker, about his hobbies, the man had already said he wasn't a maker, but mentioned fishing.  "Oh," said Dan, "have you ever considered making your own lures?" "Actually, I have."  There you go. 

3. Remind people we are all ages and all skill levels

4. Gauge people's level of involvement in the community already.

5. Its about them, not us. Also the organization is ultimately about empowerment of newbies not about us building a clubhouse.

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  Interesting suggestions that came out of the day:

Brian Givens mentioned that we should create a database of community members, where we could list our skills.  That would help members connect with one another (rather they have something in common with you, or know something you'd like to learn)

  So, we've started the ball rolling on this new database.

  Brian also suggested getting the idea of "Barrel of Makers" as a whole, across to those attending a Make-Along for the first time.  We'll be trying this on Sunday, March 10th.

Thanks for checking in with us,

~Jessi