Our social structure has taken some pretty nasty hits since sociologist Ray Oldenburg first coined the term “third space” in the late 1980s. Oldenburg’s concept of the third space referred to the places where we like to hang out when we’re not at home or at work, and those third places aren’t as widespread as they once were. Utah itself has always had a weird relationship with third spaces–its large LDS population mostly avoids coffee shops and bars, which doesn’t leave a whole lot of options for church members looking to socialize.
One interesting trend I’ve noticed over the past few years is the rise of third spaces that package social interactions inside unique experiences like cooking or crafting. Regardless of one’s background, Utahns love an excuse to get crafty and creative. Local art shops and studios throughout the state are well aware of this, and many of them have begun hosting social crafting events. Whatever your craft of choice is, there are plenty of local spots offering places to socialize while exercising your creativity.
A close-knit community
Natalie Burton, owner of Provo’s Making Space Thrift, sees social crafting as an easy ice breaker for people. “I think there’s something about being creative that takes you out of your more linear brain sometimes and lets you relax into sharing a space with people and connecting on another level,” she said.
Making Space Thrift is first and foremost a secondhand craft store that stocks everything from bolts of fabric and sewing tools to clothing patterns and yarn. In addition to stocking craft supplies, Making Space Thrift has a community art closet that is stocked with free products.
Burton has started to host community nights where people can come in and work on their own projects while socializing with locals. She also hosts an ASL craft night for those in the deaf community or those who are looking for opportunities to practice ASL with others. “I was studying ASL in college so I’ve collaborated with a local deaf community member who loves to craft,” Burton said. “Anyone who’s learning sign language is welcome along with members of the deaf community–it’s been a really cool way for people to gather.”
Sculpting new friendships
When we enter adulthood, it’s easy to take the constant social opportunities of our high school and college days for granted. Signing up for a pottery class at Sunstone, a studio space that offers classes and memberships, is a great way to recapture those social opportunities that seemed so easy back when we were in school.
Raiana Fonte is the studio manager at Sunstone Pottery & Supply, and she’s noticed that people are more apt to talk to each other when they’re working with their hands. “It creates a sense of comfortability when meeting new people,” she said. “By using your hands, you’re able to communicate both with words and through what you’re doing—I think creative events are really important.”
Sunstone functions like a full-service pottery studio that has everything a local potter might need to throw their next work of art. The studio offers different membership options, but artists are welcome to pay by the hour. Classes and workshops that cover everything from pottery basics to glazing ceramics are available throughout the year.
Well-rounded workouts
At The Front Climbing Club, you can develop your rock climbing skills one day and throw pottery on the next. This multifaceted space is all about cultivating body and mind, which is how Studio 1396 got its start. Members of The Front Climbing Club can access Studio 1396 with their membership, but it also offers studio passes for those who are more interested in sculpting clay than they are in sculpting abs.
Sav Clyde, studio manager for Studio 1396, oversees a space that includes 16 pottery wheels and other pottery supplies. “I don’t think we get a chance to work with our hands very often and engage in a medium that’s really tactile,” he said. “I often see people who met in one of the classes I taught climbing together.”
Related: The top 8 speakeasies in Utah (and how to find them)
