Through the centuries, through the millennia, it is art that has been left behind to tell us the stories of the past. In today's fast-paced society, it can become harder and harder to focus our attention on art. Ashara Shapiro's work aims to strengthen our community's bond with art. Ashara founded ArtWRKD, a collaborative art space in Newtown for workshops, art education, artist interaction, and a curated artist boutique and exhibitions. Through ArtWRKD, Ashara aims to to inspire dialogue with artists, leaning into the interactive storytelling experience of art, to create a deeper appreciation for the work when you understand that story. In addition to ArtWRKD, Ashara creates custom wearable art through her brand A. Recherche. With A. Recherche, Ashara breathes new life into reclaimed pieces and creates storied wearable art that has gone through an evolution using the tools of yesteryear.

We asked Ashara…

How did you get started?

This was a dream of mine for about 16 years, having a creative collaborative space for the community. ArtWRKD is a marriage of everything I have done in life, from creative direction to an early career in performing arts, to arts education and working with people. It has been the most rewarding and challenging exploration I have ever experienced. Living a creative life has always been incredibly important to me. Some would say we do not have a choice as artists, We are driven to create, and I would agree with that. I would also say it is incredibly rewarding to be able to provide support to others who are working to achieve the same thing.

Who or what inspired you most in your line of work?

I think the basis of humanity is connecting. If we learned anything through Covid, it was the necessity of togetherness. We are not meant to be isolated. What inspires me most is when I hear from the artists and patrons that they are at home here, that they have found a place to be exploratory, that there is a trust in process and in the space. I am inspired by patrons who feel refreshed by the work they see.

What about your organization makes you the proudest?

I am proud that this is a grassroots effort, that it is built with sweat and tears literally. It is like my work as an artist. Every bend of metal, or slide of file is intentional. My work is done by hand. Just like ArtWRKD. One day at a time, with intention and love. There is an open dialogue here and an open mind to possibility. Growth feels organic. I hope to keep those things in place for its entirety.

What surprised you the most in your organization’s history, pleasantly or unpleasantly?

I lost my mother right before I opened ArtWRKD, that experience was a catalyst to the timing of opening. Then within my first year of being open I lost my father. I think those losses have created a dynamic where I see the world a bit differently. As I heal, and process, I am bringing the space with me. They were both champions of me living a creative life, I know others might not get that support so I am hoping to be that support for emerging artists.

What advice would you share for any woman looking to start or join an organization such as yours?

I think taking the jump into the unknown is very scary. We are brought up to fear risk, risk has historically been for men. I would say without risk, the reward can be good, but it can never be great. I think women are made for greatness. We make incredible leaders. I would say to erase all the voices in your head and ask yourself if you knew you would succeed, what would you do? Then I would say take the first step toward it. Greatness is made up of steps. All that is required is heart and passion and taking steps forward.

What in your life do you NOT spend time on?

I do not spend time watching TV. I say if it does not add to my intellect I will not waste time on it. I also try to not spend time on things and people that don't serve my greater good and path.

What is the best piece of advice a mentor gave to you – could be anyone in your life or on any subject?

I have had a lot of good advice over the span of my life. The most recent piece of advice that I have walked the world with was what my mother said to me right before she passed. She told me to live a brave life. I have been ever since.

Do you have any daily rituals or weekly rituals that help keep yourself centered?

I would say that I have a lot of thoughts at around 3:00 in the morning. I'll wake up and take notes and write down the thought then when I have processed all of that I will go back to sleep. My morning is really focused on being there for my children. If I'm in a really creative space or an expressive space I start the day with art. If I am thinking about strategy and structure I start the day there. I just try to honor what space I'm in.

What is next for you?

There are so many things going on I'm really excited about. I'm working on continuing to offer space to some new incredible artists and I have some pretty exciting exhibitions I am planning with artists from Philadelphia. I am really focusing on creating community and adding some writing work into the space, creative writing, and poetry workshops. I'm trying to hit all forms of creatives not just visual art. We are going to work on some performance art development so that's going to be pretty exciting.

Photography by Alison Dunlap