Boston Community Art

Arts Today— Artisan’s Asylum

Allston, a neighborhood located in the western region of Boston, has gained a reputation for its thriving arts scene and diverse community of artists, art-related businesses, and institutions. For those interested in immersing themselves in a bustling creative environment, Allston presents an attractive prospect. However, before making a decision, it is crucial to evaluate the current state of the arts within the neighborhood thoroughly. This assessment will not only consider the presence of public art but also the availability of resources, art-related businesses, and institutions that are essential for nurturing a rich arts culture. By utilizing the skills developed in critique, we aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the arts landscape in Allston, offering insights that will help an arts-focused family or individual make an informed decision on whether this community is right for them.

In addition to the vibrant public art scene, Allston is home to numerous art-related businesses and institutions that contribute to the neighborhood's artistic vitality. One such institution is the Artisans Asylum, a non-profit community studio that provides a broad range of manufacturing space and workshops. Founded in 2010 by an engineer, an artist, and their friends, Artisans Asylum has become a premier maker space in the United States. With 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space, 430 members, 160 studios, and 15 workshops, Artisans Asylum offers a diverse range of resources for artists and makers. The workshops available include woodworking, welding, bike care

and repair, machining, electronics and robotics, jewelry, digital fabrication, digital photo studio, fiber arts, casting, laser cutting, CNC machines, prop shop, and design lab. The studio also hosts 30-40 public sessions each month, providing opportunities for hands-on tool training and skill-building sessions.

The presence of Artisans Asylum highlights the thriving arts community in Allston. By providing access to a wide range of manufacturing spaces and workshops, Artisans Asylum helps foster the skills and creativity of local artists and makers, contributing to the overall richness and vibrancy of the neighborhood's arts scene. As we continue our assessment of Allston's arts landscape, we will further explore the strengths and weaknesses of the re-institutions to conduct a more holistic assessment.

Advantages:

1. Tolerance
The inclusiveness of the Artisan Asylum community is one of its greatest strengths, and you can make anything you want. Workshops range from gardening, jewelry, robotics, weaving, instrument making and more, with as many as 160 workshops. With a wide range of workshops and programs, artists of all types are welcome and encouraged to explore their creativity. This diverse community allows artists to learn from each other, share resources and ideas, and collaborate on projects, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for all members.
2. Better resources

The Artisans Asylum has state-of-the-art industrial equipment and facilities that members can use to work on their projects. This gives artists access to tools and resources they might not otherwise have access to. With 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines and woodworking tools, members have access to everything they need to bring their creative visions to life.

3. Membership
Artisans Asylum offers flexible membership options including hourly, daily, and monthly rates. This makes it easy for creators and artists to access the resources they need without committing to a long-term membership. In addition, Artisan's Asylum is centrally located in Allston, the heart of the Boston area, which makes it easy for members to access the space and attend events and workshops.
4. Emphasis on Entrepreneurship
Artisans Asylum is a community with a strong emphasis on local entrepreneurship. It has contributed more than $70 million to economic development and is a national leader in developing innovative spaces and programs that support creative expression and entrepreneurship. By exchanging ideas and sharing skills, it has nurtured startups such as Atlas Devices, GeoOrbital, 3D Doodler, Unruly Studios, RailState and Cantux Research. Over the years, its investments have helped create more than 100 jobs and contributed to the livelihoods of hundreds of independent creators.
5. Pay attention to employees
Artisan's Asylum cares about its employees and their well-being. Employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for comprehensive health insurance,

demonstrating the community's commitment to the employment of creative personnel. Artists are often vulnerable to unsafe working conditions, materials, tools, and processes. Artisan's Asylum has recognized this vulnerability and has come up with a way to protect their employees. They have also stated that they hope to expand benefits further to employees and members over time and with success.

Disadvantages:
1. Lack of privacy
One of the major disadvantages of working in this studio is the lack of privacy. As the studio is built in a storage/factory style building with high ceilings, each studio is made out of a wooden frame and mostly there is no solid wall or roof that separates each studio from its neighbors. This can cause problems for artists who require a private working environment or need to work on confidential projects. It can also lead to distractions and disturbances from the activities of neighboring studios. This can be a major concern for artists who are working on sensitive projects or need a quiet environment to focus on their work.
2. Limited space.
Another disadvantage of this studio is the limited space available for artists. The artist studios are tiny and may not be enough to accommodate artists working on large projects or those who need to store a lot of equipment and supplies. This can be a challenge for artists who need a spacious workspace to work efficiently or require additional storage space to keep their work organized. The lack of space can also be a

problem when artists need to transport their finished work back home, especially if they are unable to carry it themselves or require additional assistance.
3. Strict guest policies
The studio has strict guest policies, which can be a concern for artists who want to bring their friends and family to the studio for a visit. Guests must be accompanied and escorted at all times and have to follow strict rules while walking around in the building. This can be a problem for artists who want to share their work with their loved ones or need to meet with clients or collaborators in the studio. It can also be a challenge for artists who require privacy while working and may not want visitors in the studio.

4. Lack of amenities.
Although the studio provides many amenities such as workshops, computer labs, or painting rooms, there is limited space for storage for the artists to use, and there are only a few fridges or water taps for them to relax or grab a drink when they want to. This can be a concern for artists who require a comfortable working environment or need access to basic amenities to work efficiently. It can also be a problem for artists who need to spend long hours in the studio and require basic facilities such as a restroom or a kitchen.
5. Distance from home.
The studio is located a few miles from downtown Boston, Malden, Medford, or Quincy and is not located in the center of Allston. There is no green line or many public transportation options available in the surroundings. This can be a major

challenge for artists who do not live locally and do not own a car. The lack of public transportation options in the area can also be a problem for artists who need to commute to the studio regularly and may lead to additional travel expenses and time constraints.

After comparing the advantages and disadvantages of working in this studio, it becomes evident that this is a highly competitive studio. The benefits of working in this studio include the artistic environment, friendly and supportive neighbors, access to various art styles requiring multiple working rooms and tools, and a roomy wheel. These factors make it an attractive place for artists who seek to immerse themselves in a creative community, where they can learn from others and receive constructive feedback on their work. Moreover, having access to a roomy wheel provides artists with the flexibility to experiment with different techniques and styles of pottery making.

On the other hand, this studio may not be suitable for all artists. For instance, artists who prefer a more solitary environment to work in may find the studio too crowded and noisy, which can be a distraction. Furthermore, artists who do not require access to multiple working rooms or tools may not see the value in paying for the additional resources available at the studio. Additionally, artists who prioritize affordability may find the studio's pricing to be too high for their budget.

This studio is a competitive option for artists looking for a creative and supportive community to work in. However, the suitability of the studio depends on the

individual artist's preferences and needs. It's important for artists to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of working in this studio before making a decision on whether it's the right fit for them.

In conclusion, the Artisan's Asylum studio offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for artists and makers to create, collaborate and learn from each other. However, there are also some limitations and challenges, such as the lack of privacy, limited space, strict guest policies, lack of amenities, and distance from home. Artists should carefully consider their needs and preferences before deciding to join this community. Nonetheless, for those who thrive in a supportive and creative environment, the Artisan's Asylum studio may be just the right place to unleash their artistic potential and turn their passion into reality.