Peoples Is Peoples: Transcending Arts and Sciences A Narrative Feature on Artisan’s Asylum David R. Showalter Jr. Part 1: I decided to pay a quick visit to my next feature after work on what happened to be one fine, rainy evening. I wanted to get a general sense of the space and meet the owner. Gui Cavalcanti (pronounced phonetically “gee” like karate gi, not “guy” like Hey! I know that guy, which was dutifully pointed out by Director of Operations, Molly Rubenstein. I added the bit about karate fashion on my own) is the President and owner of Artisan’s Asylum in my hometown of Somerville. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet with him briefly that evening to schedule a good time to meet another day and take a quick perusal of his apparent “mental institution.” To say this is an organization for the arts is not a comprehensive definition of what I saw that day. At first glance, Artisan’s Asylum is a factory, an amalgamation of art, science, mathematics, labor, creativity, machinery, and so much more. The first work of art I saw was situated next to the front desk and I can only imagine what it is like to work all day next to such a piece. It was a gigantic dragon’s head made of metal wire holding a purple hippopotamus doll in its open mouth. How’s that for strange and dynamic? I left with a greater sense of this amazing institution and a beautiful feeling of innocence and fun. It is like one of those field trips Mr. Rogers takes in between feeding the fish and visiting the Land of Make Believe. I met Gui momentarily before I asked permission to walk around and take in everything. There is so much going on at Artisan’s Asylum. Multimedia would not be descriptive enough and would never encompass the massive amount of expression and artisanship that ensues at such a place. I saw bikes, kayaks, sculpture, robotics, computers, go carts, and I do not know what’s all over the place. It is very exciting and vibrant, full of so much life and feeling. The 31,000 square feet of the warehouse includes multitudes of open cubicles set aside for people to work. Their property is situated and each space is neatly marked with what I assumed is the renter’s name(s). Towards the back there is a woodshop, metal works, and welding stu-
8 Abstraks January 2012
dio with tons of equipment and tools. My first word when I returned to Gui at the front desk was emphatically and excitedly: “Cool!” This is definitely a wonderful, unique, and special place and I am pleased to write more about this fantastic entity. Part 2: I revisited Artisan’s Asylum several days later for an official tour of the facilities and a sit down conversation with both Gui and Molly. I would like to take a moment and publicly thank both of them very much for their time, cordiality, and attentiveness. They are very passionate and caring individuals who share such a lovely, positive energy. I am very happy to have met them. I remember learning in college about the Restoration period (about 1660-1685, England) when theater was banned and people would put together performances in secret on tennis courts. Back then, actors were referred to affectionately (or maybe not so much) as “rogues” and would put themselves at great risk to be on the stage. Mind you, this is not the crazy Sarah Palin kind of rogue where she thinks she is sane and rational but is in actuality completely psychotic. After meeting with Gui and Molly, I would very much so refer to them as modern day rogues of their craft and their desire to propagate the philosophies and institution of Artisan’s Asylum. For me, this is a positive association and affirmation of their uniqueness. I am utterly in awe and admiration of these people because I am very sure they know who they are and care about what they do. Along the same ideals of what is portrayed by theater artists, these people are storytellers. They, along with their organization, have a rich history to share. As explained to me by Molly, Gui’s background is in engineering and her background in theater. Gui found himself with the desire to have a collective that enriched the lives of others like an extracurricular activity would for young people. Artisan’s Asylum was compared by Molly to a theater club or Dungeons and Dragons meeting where people could get together, spend time with each other, and enjoy themselves while doing something they all loved to do. There seems to be a lack of places like that available for adults outside of bars and clubs these days. We need enrichment and stimulation that does not necessarily include alcohol, bumping and grinding, or trying to “get some”. This also speaks volumes to Gui’s character as a