One of my favorite things about Common Art is the way that the community members co-construct the space. Community members are involved in each step of the planning and execution of the programs if they choose. They aren’t just participants they are the what makes Common Art run each Wednesday.

When I first began interning at Common Art, of course as an intern I wanted to be helpful so it was my natural inkling to jump in and start setting up chairs or wiping down tables. Yet, artist in residence Allie was quick to let me know Common Cathedral encourages a different way of doing things by inviting community members to help you set up and encouraged me to use this time to build relationships. Now, I know I can ask a community member for help and readily receive it. In fact, this time spent setting up chairs or packing up art supplies has given me a greater opportunity to get to know community members and forge relationships than if I had just done it myself. There have been many times over the course of the last few months where I have gotten to have lovely one to one conversations with a community member while setting up a table, sorting artwork, or cleaning chairs. It’s a relational process that gives us all a role in setting the space and creating community.

This level of ownership and involvement that community members have is also reflected in the afternoon leadership meetings to review what is working for the program, what isn’t, and any agenda items. Community members often bring such great ideas and important issues to the space in these meetings.