Ah, the things that were made in Bridgeport: luxury cars, submarines, sewing machines, tools, tools and more tools from amazing craftsmanship. Artist extraordinaire Robin Gilmore crafts jewelry derived from Bridgeport’s own streets and resources. Her store Made In Bridgeport is located at 1042 Broad Street at John Street entrance 140. Do you bleed Bridgeport? Now you can wear it as well. Store website here.
MADE IN BRIDGEPORT is now open in Bridgeport Connecticut. After many years of vending opportunities at craft fairs, festivals and a recent New Haven Pop Up shop, Made In Bridgeport’s artist and educator Robin Gilmore has found her home in the community and with the city she loves. Growing up in Bridgeport during the ’60s, she’s had hands-on connections with the City’s manufacturing and industrial locations through family members who worked in many of Bridgeport’s factories.
Early on and living in close proximity (across the street) from both Remington and General Electric, Robin was intrigued by processes of design, materials created and the whole idea of entrepreneurship. This bit of history has inspired the work that she now creates from industrial, vintage and urban artifacts. These pieces of wearable works utilize and recycle everyday found objects from the City’s own streets and resources. Her work can be found at her temporary John Street location in the new Create Here Now headquarters. Create Here Now Bridgeport is part of a state-wide project that is supporting interested entrepreneurs, galleries and artists in their efforts to bring excitement and economic development to vacant storefront properties in distressed and under- utilized urban areas.
Robin is looking to grow her business by marketing her art, jewelry and other designs as well as providing creativity and business workshops. She is also offering supportive services to other local and regional artists. In a recent interview Robin was quoted saying,
“As an artist I really want to get the word out there that art and creativity are essential for the health and well-being of everyone, not just the so called “cultural creatives.” This current involvement in the project provides the hub to demonstrate the viability and value that art brings to economic development initiatives.”
This is consistent with The State of Connecticut’s objectives and current funding profile. State grants from $5,000 to $100,000 are available to fund art projects and programs in order to revitalize local communities. The Create Here Now project is being championed by Christopher “Kip” Bergstrom, Deputy Commissioner of the State Department of Economic and Community Development who justifies the funding for the project by pointing to recent studies indicating the major economic benefits that investing in the arts and culture bring. Shepherding the project are Margaret Boddell and Rod Frantz who both have wide experience in developing creative entrepreneurship initiatives. Details are available for Create Here Now at www.createherenow.org.
Again when interviewed Robin is passionate and clear about the fact that while her work is very personal, sharing it with others is a vital part of her creative process. By bringing it to market she also recognizes and realizes its economic value.
Details about Made In Bridgeport: madeinbridgeport.weebly.com and madeinbridgeport@gmail.com
MADE IN BRIDGEPORT … WHERE INDUSTRY MAKES ART
Everything was made here in Bridgeport. This was a true home to Yankee Ingenuity. WICC stands for “Industrial Capital of Connecticut.” Even the very functional had an artistic quality in every way shape and form. This craftsmanship honors the past when quality was a commonplace thing. There is much to appreciate in this jewelry.
Awesome … I’ll have to check it out!