“Third places” are places outside of the home (1st place) and work (2nd place), where people gather to make friends, share ideas, collaborate, and build community. Examples are churches, bowling alleys, coffee shops, bars, social clubs, or even barber shops. Lancaster is filled with third places, including The Candy Factory (TCF), a coworking space that serves as the home of this podcast. I kicked off this episode with a conversation with TCF founder, and my partner, Anne Kirby, talking about the importance of gathering and how places like TCF help folks overcome isolation and loneliness.
Then I was joined by Josh Gibbel and Rufus Deakin from West Art. As neighbors on the west end of Lancaster, Josh and Rufus took advantage of an opportunity to purchase a church on their block and convert it into what has become known as “Lancaster’s living room and a sanctuary for the arts”. From concerts to yoga classes, West Art is becoming a gathering place for creatives to gather. They also revealed plans for a coffee bar coming soon that will allow the doors to be open 7 days a week.
With a similar mission to build community through creativity, Katherine and Jason Horst operate Horst Art Center in Manheim. Part design studio and part art studio, Horst Art Center hosts events and workshops designed to encourage creativity with other humans. They strive to build a cozy and welcoming space for all to enjoy the arts and have some fun.
Be sure to get out and about and experience some of the incredible third places Lancaster has to offer.
– Jason
(all of these words came from my brain)
Links:
The Candy Factory
West Art
Horst Art Center
Stuff To Do Fair
Live sessions, coming soon.
