December 2024 Featured MCA Institutional Member: oUTSKIRT STUDIOS

Maine Crafts Association is pleased to introduce oUTSKIRT sTUDIOS. After 17 years of vacancy and two years of careful, thoughtful development, Shannon Richards and Caleb Johnson are breathing new life into a former elementary school in Lyman, Maine.

1: Tell us a bit about your organization, its mission and role in the Maine community (or beyond)?

oUTSKIRT is a new artists and makers collaborative work space located in Lyman, ME. Just 30 minutes from Portland and 15 minutes from Biddeford, we are transforming a school building into a vibrant hub for creativity and collaboration, providing co-working studio spaces for artists, makers, and artisans. Our mission is to foster a dynamic environment where individuals can create, learn, and grow, while also building connections within the local arts and crafts community.

Through our shared studio spaces, we offer artists and makers of all disciplines (from painting and sculpture to woodworking and pottery) an affordable, inspiring environment to work and collaborate. In addition to individual studio spaces, we are committed to creating a diverse range of learning opportunities by eventually offering classes and workshops, where people can gain new skills, enhance their craft, and engage with others in the creative community.

Our role in the community is twofold: to support the local creative economy by providing resources and a space for artisans to thrive, and to enrich the community at large by offering programs and experiences that allow people of all ages to connect with the arts. In the future, we will expand our offerings with a pottery studio and woodshop, further enhancing the ways our space supports hands-on learning and skill development.

Ultimately, our vision is to build a place where art, innovation, and community intersect—creating a space for creativity to flourish and for people to come together to learn, make, and grow.

2: What are the most important elements to your work as an organization?

We see our organization as a community resource, not just a space for artists to work but also a place where the wider community can connect with the arts. We want to actively engage with local residents, members and organizations to make the arts more accessible, inclusive, and impactful. Our goal is to create an environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience and participate in creative activities or be a part of a supportive community.

3. Beyond collaborative work spaces, do you plan to offer additional services or programs?

Yes! We will eventually offer pottery classes, life drawing nights, gallery showings, summer camps, and art / craft shows and markets. We also have a stage area that is available for rent to our community, musicians or artisans.

4. Did you have any organizational mentors or major influences that inspired this company’s
development or growth?

It all started when our owners, Shannon Richards and Caleb Johnson, were looking for a studio for themselves. They are both very creative, driven and passionate people. But without a dedicated space to create, it can be hard to carve out time for your passions and hobbies outside of your work and family life. During the journey of searching for their own studio, they came across this school and decided to not only get a studio for themselves, but a dream was born to create a community space where makers and creatives can get together, support each other and be inspired by each other.

5. How did you (learn about / become involved with) the Maine Crafts Association?

Owner, Shannon Richards, has been very active in the local arts community since childhood and recently finished a term as MCA Board President. Both Shannon and Caleb support the MCA through their businesses – as Cornerstone Members – and participate in as many MCA events as possible each year, including creating MCA’s annual fashion show fundraising event, STITCH.

6. How would you like to see the Maine community develop over the next 10-30 years?

We would like to see Maine continue to be an international landing spot for diverse artists and makers, an inspirational place to make and see art and craft. A place to connect or reconnect with others who value the same.

7. What is upcoming for Outskirt Studios and how can people learn more and get involved?

We have big goals and dreams and would love for you to follow along with us via instagram, or subscribe to our mailing list on our website. We cannot wait to start hosting events, community nights and growing our studio spaces.

Get in touch with oUTSKIRT STUDIOS:

• Website: outskirt-studios.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/outskirtstudios