Guest Post: The Skull Bank

by | Sep 26, 2014 | Happiness | 15 comments

At this point, I’m honestly not even sure how long I’ve been exchanging mail with Trine. All I know is receiving something from her in my mailbox is pure magic. Asking her to guest post was a no brainer, and I’m really thrilled with what she’s written for you.

Hi, it’s nice to meet you all! I’m Trine; a 31 year old Norwegian who’s working on getting her bachelors degree in Social Studies (I’m currently on my second year). So, what am I doing here then, you ask? Well, the wonderful Mary, who created this creative and inspirational mekka for all of us, asked me to do a guest post. And I have to say; I am thankful and happy to be part of this, Mary. You’ve such a generous and colourful spirit, and the world is a better place with you in it.

And that is what I wanna write about; the fact that the world is a better place with YOU in it. You, who is currently reading these words. And I’m not sure how this text is going to pan out yet, by the way. It is most likely going to take some twists here, and some turns there, before (hopefully) coming together in something meaningful. So, let’s see how this goes!

The Skull Bank Guest Post On Uncustomary Art
This is me

12 years ago, a doctor told me, that the best I could ever hope for in my life, was a heavily medicated existence, working 30% of a regular job, and probably in a supervised environment. After having spent some years in an institution following a failed suicide attempt when I was 14 years old, I was already as low as I would ever get in my life. And her words could have swept the rug completely away from under my feet. Inexcusable and unacceptable words. But instead of giving up, I felt a quiet rage well up inside of me, and I was like «oh yeah? F*** you! Who the hell are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?! I will show you!».

So I carried on. And went out and started school and fell on my ass again. I felt shit. And went to the doctor and asked for help again. And got a new therapist who saw me for who I was. And with time, I got well. No medications. Full time school.

But being sick takes your life away, and while I had gotten well, the world had moved on without me, and I had to start from scratch. And seeing friends drift away, getting families of their own, having seemingly rich lives, while I couldn’t even tell new friends about my past for fear of how they might react – well, it made me feel horrible. Because, even though it is history now, it is still a big part of my life. And for years, I have wanted to build a life free from this past history of mine, always holding back; not realizing that I ended up holding back myself from life by doing so. Because I can’t be free from my history. It’s part of what makes me who I am, and I should not be ashamed of that.

I should be proud, and celebrate the fact that I beat the doctor’s stupid odds, and that the life force inside of me was so strong that I refused to give up when I was at my lowest. And this is my first step out of the closet, and into my place in the world – a place which I will create myself. ‘Cause I think that creating a place for yourself in this world is, not only allowed, but also necessary when you are ready for it and have the resources to do so! Think about it, those who you admire, didn’t they create their own space and make a new path? And they inspire other people to be brave in one way or another, too. It has a ripple effect.

The Skull Bank Guest Post On Uncustomary Art

And here, I will get back into the «art» part of this blog’s theme; ‘cause no matter what, and all through my life, there have always been a space for me in art, and I didn’t even have to make that space. Art has always been there to carry me through or comfort me when nothing else could. It has been a venting space for all the things I could not express with words; both good and bad. It is not something you need to be good at, for it to have value. It has value in itself, and if it means something to you, it means something! Just like we are all more than the sum of our parts; so is art, and in many ways, we are art too. We are the ones who experience life, but we are also experiences for one another, and valuable ones.

The Skull Bank Guest Post On Uncustomary Art

Like UncustoMary, who has a great impact on many people’s lives through spreading joy and inspiration with her loving heart and generous spirit. Or Jaclyn the Confetti Monster, who inspires self doubting beauties to shine and rise again, dust off and do their thing, with her magical and optimistic soul. Or all of you wonderful people who read this, who have so much to offer in your various ways. Some of you have taken the plunge and already do what you dream of doing, and some may be hesitant; not quite daring to yet. But, I really hope you choose yourself and your talents soon – granted it doesn’t hurt anyone else, of course – ‘cause out here in this world, you and what you do is needed in one way or another. And you don’t have to question it. Just do what you love, and know that everything will fall into place.

That is what I did when I opened my Etsy shop, after being inspired by Jaclyn the Confetti Monster, and pushed (with love) by Chèefa Lydia Lesafre. I was not super talented in any way. Heck, some things I made were down right bad. But making things means a lot to me, so I do it. And when something turns out well once in a while, I put it up in my Etsy shop.

The Skull Bank Guest Post On Uncustomary Art

So, it doesn’t matter if what you make, or say or do in this world isn’t superb. We learn, evolve, try again, fall on our behinds, get up again and so on – it is all part of life. The important thing is to do what matters to you, to try and not give up, and to know that you are not alone. Because I think many of us actually have much more in common than we realize. And the world could use some more unity, love and compassion right about now; both between people and within ourselves.

The Skull Bank Guest Post On Uncustomary Art

Doesn’t she make you feel good?! Take her advice to heart, you beauties. You’ve got it in you. Go sing out loud! Make sure you visit Trine, browse her Etsy shop, and tell her Uncustomary sent you!

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle