Craft House In Review

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Craft House’s Summer Nostalgia Garden Party, a vibrant collaboration with the music collective Haus. It was my first time experiencing one of their events, and despite not having any idea what to expect, I had an incredible time! As Nathaniel Chapman, Director of Logistics, explained to me, “Welcome Home” is one of the collective’s founding mission statements, and I wholeheartedly agree. I truly felt embraced by this creative and enriching community, made up of both artists and observers alike.

Upon arriving at the event, I was warmly greeted by members of the Craft House committee, who handed me a blank tote bag — a thoughtful and interactive feature that allowed attendees to paint and personalise their own designs. To the left of the check-in desk, a table showcased smaller versions of the displayed artworks, giving guests the opportunity to bring a piece of the event home with them. I enjoyed this element, as it provided students with an affordable way to appreciate the art. Additionally, a live painting station allowed observers to witness the featured artists in action, providing a unique glimpse into their creative process.

In addition to watching the artists at work, their featured pieces were beautifully integrated throughout the garden, nestled among the trees and subtly hidden within the foliage. There was a diverse array of artwork on display, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Kennedy Drolet, a member of Craft House’s marketing team, noted that its commitment to “provid[ing] student artists with a platform for their work and encourag[ing] people to express their creativity” makes it stand out among other collectives. I especially feel that the latter half of this sentiment reigned true in the sheer amount of talent displayed throughout all of these pieces. 

On a logistical note, the event ran very smoothly. Aside from a bit of crowd congestion at the entrance and bar area — which was swiftly addressed by committee members guiding attendees to the dance floor — the event flowed very nicely. Guests could browse the art, grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and sneak away to the hidden painting section in the back, where they could contribute to a communal mural without delay. 

Two standout highlights for me, aside from the art, were the food and music. In a clearing of the garden, a tent hosted several DJs from the Haus music collective, who filled the air with vibrant tunes. Another major highlight was the collaboration with Cami’s Kitchen, a student-run catering service that provided delicious food for everyone. Near the bar, a food table offered a menu and a QR code for easy ordering. I particularly loved seeing pictures of the menu items before I opted for the mac and cheese, which was delivered in a bag labelled with my name and included a mini fork — my favourite touch! The food was delicious and the perfect warm meal to brighten a crisp, gloomy Scottish day.

I was so immersed in the whimsical atmosphere, delicious food, refreshing drinks, lively music, and engaging company that I ended up staying for nearly the entire event, which ran from 3 PM until sunset. Executive Director Pietro Barbini, to whom the event owes its success, remarked, “These events exist because the University doesn’t provide creatives and fine art students with a platform or creative space, and we welcome anyone and everyone.” After attending, I feel they have truly succeeded in this mission. As Craft House is still in its early years, I’m excited to see how they evolve as a collective with an undoubtedly bright future.

Photo: Addie Nelson