Hi Friend 👋🏾

Yesterday, I popped up at a resource fair to educate folks about SpaceCraft. I wore the iconic yellow hat and radiated the love I wish to cultivate at SpaceCraft. I was delighted to meet so many new artists, who agree in our philosophy and are eager to carve a loving space in this world.

Over 150 of you subscribe to our weekly newsletter. A liminal digital space where I share all the stories of what takes place behind the scenes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I appreciate you all for being on this journey with me and having the courage to choose joy over scarcity. My sole mission in life is to magnify and honor the gifts of those around me, and I hope you feel called to join this joy movement.

Best,

✨ Jaleria Rivera, Founder

🗞️ News ↓

In response to the election results, SpaceCraft is standing ten toes down on creating equitable access to space for our most marginalized friends and neighbors. Inflation is projected to rise the coming years and access to community shouldn’t come with additional financial burden.

This is why we felt called to soft launch a new membership tier called, Solidarity. This is a discounted membership exclusive to any person who identifies as BIPOC, LBGTQIA+, living with a disability, and / or low-income. This is not based on need. You can access this membership tier without being questions or required to provide proof.

We all deserve to express the full spectrum of our humanity in a safe and nurturing environment. And, this is even more important when our very existence is political.

I hope you feel called to become a member. If you would like to brainstorm alternative options, you’re welcome to connect with me via email ([email protected]).

🎉 Happenings ↓

View the calendar below to learn more about events, classes, and shows happening at SpaceCraft. Feel free to subscribe to our calendar because it’s ever-evolving as we add more programming.

It's not only hot n' fresh. It's Hot Nostalgia.

Blending comedy and drama, in this solo show Chris dives into the deeper meaning behind pizza, happiness, and what happens when the planet explodes. This one-hour performance will be recorded live (like your favorite stand-up sets) - this is your opportunity to see how the magic gets made! 

Doors & live music at 7:30 for an 8:00 start.

Join Knox Draw for a unique opportunity to explore figure modeling in a supportive, professional environment. Whether you're considering modeling as a creative outlet or a potential source of income, this workshop will provide you with the skills and confidence to start your journey as an art model.

KnoxDraw and other figure drawing groups are always seeking new models. This workshop could be your first step towards paid modeling opportunities!

Space is limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants. Reserve your spot today!

Sunday, November 24 from 1pm to 4pm.

​Supernova comedy is back! Join us for an evening of hilarious local comedy featuring Clinton Ricks and some of Knoxville’s favorite comedians.

​This event is a 1 hour comedy show followed by 1 hour of open chat where you can meander through the Spacecraft studio, have a seat and talk jokes, learn about the Knoxville comedy scene and how to get involved, and to socialize with friends as well as your favorite comics. Feel free to byob & snacks.

🖼️ Throwbacks ↓

During the week of November 4th, I was tucked away in a creative oasis called Arrowmont. This is an arts and craft school that aims to steward traditional arts. As many of you know, I’m a belly dancer and scarf fiend; so enrolling in a block printing workshop felt divine because your gworl is now able to design her own scarves and costume fabrics.

The first day of class was magic! I discovered the same ecstasy for the craft as when discovering belly dance for the first time. Although the anxiety of the election loomed over campus, many of us decided to tune it out and simple focus on the craft. That is until the morning of November 6th…

The booming roar of laughter during breakfast was replaced with tears. The clink of empty plates representing full bellies was replaced with silent stares into coffee mugs. The arts is a safe haven for many of us whose existence is viewed as a political fear mongering tool. And, the intergenerational students at Arrowmont felt the shockwave.

During class, silence fell as we watched our instructor graciously (and heart-sickeningly) demo ways to print in color. We all needed the work. We needed an opportunity to channel the pain, fear, and confusion many of us feel.

Despite the shocking news, November 6th was the hardest we ever laughed together! We found the funny in our pain and developed deeper connections with each other by sharing embarrassing childhood stories, immature innuendos of how my block print looks like ovaries, and most importantly played vigorously. We found play in our sadness.

The healing reverb of this workshop still echos in me as I show up for SpaceCraft. Each day is a new opportunity to make a choice. And, I choose joy. I hope you can find play in your hardship with me because you are not alone in your pain (or confusion). We are in this together.

🎨 Ways to support ↓

SpaceCraft is open to all mediums, no matter if you craft, make, design, tinker, or shake! Our intention is to become a beacon for all artists seeking a space to make art uninhibited.

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A subscription gets you:

• • Exclusive, free entry to SpaceCraft gatherings
• • Priority access to SpaceCraft open calls
• • Unlock discounted entry to SpaceCraft coop events
• • Exclusive discount on all SpaceCraft retail and merchandise
• • Added to the SpaceCraft member directory
• • Unlock members-only posts