SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — On Wednesday, the Pink Rock Culture Cooperative hosted a weaving workshop. But it wasn’t your average weaving lesson. “Weaving and Waffles” brought together 18 complete beginners to the Pink Rock to learn, chat and of course, eat waffles.
The event was the brainchild of macrame artist Tatianna Monet. Her workshops are almost always tailored to beginners.
“Weaving is super easy, it really is just in-out in-out,” Monet said. “Honestly I think if you can count you can learn to weave.”
Monet likes teaching beginners because they tend to have more fun and make more friends. The event isn’t really about weaving or waffles, it’s about community. It’s what Pink Rock was founded for 19 months ago.
Amanda Rodgers founded the Pink Rock as a space for people to build community through art, which is what she said she hoped attendees would get from the night.
“Exploring what they can do, what their own creativity is, having conversation with new people, and I think it’s a wonderful event she’s planned for the night,” Rodgers said.
According to a 2024 Harvard University study, nearly a quarter of American adults feel lonely or isolated. Most respondents reported feeling isolated from their community and family.
In a time when technology is increasingly encroaching on American’s day to day lives, and people live an ever more digital life, human connection and manual creation both seem to have diminished roles in human life.
“It’s so important to get off our phones, it’s so important to do something with your hands,” Monet said.
Monet puts her heart and soul into each of these events. Between her art career, a new baby and teaching she has a lot to juggle.
“I have an 8-month old at home, so I’m really just getting back into the swing of things,” Monet said, “It’s a lot, and I do mean a lot, of work putting on events like this.”
But still, seeing people make new connections through the medium she loves, makes it worth it in the end.
“It’s really refreshing. I’m honestly so happy I was able to put on this event,” Monet said.
Monet plans an event a month typically, but with summer coming up, there will be an increase in demand. With Monet getting her studio back up to full steam, she’s sure to be back to Pink Rock.