Airis, Ava, Chelsie, Giovana, Josie, Lea, and Thea come from across the Bay Area. With disparate talents and passions, they share a sense of drive and curiosity that will help them make the most of their time in the program. With our largest group ever, we are looking forward to the challenges we’ll face, and opportunities we will be able to provide.

To kick things off, our first session is all about getting to know each other. Through personal sharing, reading discussions, and eating together, we do all we can to naturally develop a community of trust and mutual appreciation. This community building continues in every group meeting, and provides the context for personal growth.

With dedicated tables, artists can leave projects out and continue their work during weekly open hours. The ability to seamlessly step away from and back into your work removes a pressure point common to every creative process.

The tables were designed by Blake – who is building them with a heap of help from Jess Wilson, a Problem Children mentor. Their combined expertise and craft are creating a meaningful tool for our artists.

While the tables are still under construction, today Blake shared a bit about the creative process of making them. This followed, and tied into, our discussion on the assigned reading from The Design of Everyday Things, – an exploration on how the things we interact with on a daily basis are designed and can be understood (or not).

Making process visible is something we frequently practice. It is a way to shine light on facets of the world around us, and the program, that seem inevitable, or preordained, but are not. By doing this we hope to instill a deeper sense of respect, care, ownership, and appreciation for the world.

With any group, allowing for moments where affinities and easy connections can develop naturally is an important task. So this year we again chose to provide lunch for everyone during mandatory group meetings. While we do engage in “get to know you” exercises, nothing bests the camaraderie created by breaking bread with others.

By coming together to nourish ourselves, we signal that we are safe with, and trusting of, each other. It highlights the fact that everyone is showing up to support each other, which allows for more honest and pointed conversations. This provides the trust and vulnerability required to step outside your comfort zone; to grow.

Providing food for 10-15 people is no easy task, and while it is part of our budget, we are always looking for ways to bring this cost down. And to do so in ways that support local business. If you can sponsor a meal, connect us to a restaurant owner who can, or would like to cook a meal, please get in contact with me directly.

We also received material donations that give us more options for creative exploration with our artists. A particular thank you to Lydia for an excellent selection. If you have tools/materials you’d like to donate, please email me directly.

One remarkable show of support came from former Problem Child, Monica (’20, ’21). Thank you Monica – your donation is a great signal that what we are building is valued. And thank you to our partners at EQ Office and Philip at Sunset Roasters (congratulations on the new addition to your family!). Your donations are providing scholarships to artists.

A final thank you to Sherri Martin for her generous contribution. Sherri’s son, Nathan, is the reason I met Grayson over 15 years ago, and his legacy has been integral to so much at Problem Library. From records used for early Waterways performances, to his books bulking out our library, Nathan will always be a part of our story. Sherri, your support is incalculably meaningful. Thank you.

As the summer moves on, we will continue to share and reach out about specific needs. But donating now is the best way to help us plan and think more expansively about the opportunities we can afford our artists.