In 2012, I came to Cottage Street Studios looking for a workspace where I could pursue my dream of becoming an artist. Rich, the building manager, showed me available spaces, none of which were suitable. But in the elevator, another artist happened to tell me she was leaving, so we went to look at hers.
Studio 403 was love at first sight and it was worth the wait. At first I shared the studio and continued my communications business, then I slowly transitioned to full-time art and took over the entire space.
Long before I moved into my studio, I was involved in the Cottage Street Studios community. While running Radwell Communication by Design, I helped found Easthampton City Arts, first as a consultant and then as a designer (the visual branding is still used today). And a few years later, I worked on the redesign of Cottage Street Studios.
My time at Cottage Street was life-changing, a personal dream come true. Not just the space itself or the shared passion for creative activity, but also the sense of community, of being part of something bigger than yourself. I welcomed and appreciated the understanding, mutual respect and collaboration between the (artist) tenants, Riverside Industries and their clients. It was an inspiring experience.
Life is a mystery and you don’t always end up where you thought you would. I belong on Cottage Street – it would be beyond difficult to cut my roots, move, reorient myself, build new bonds and rethink this huge part of my life.
Laura Radwell
Studio 403, One Cottage Street, Easthampton
