The city of Goshen boasts a lively community of artists  who specialize in a variety of different mediums across a vast spectrum of creativity. To help provide these artists with the space and resources they need to pursue their craft, artists’ guilds have sprung up over time.

The Goshen Clay Artists’ Guild provides a space for artists to come together and share their work, through both quarterly classes and guild membership. The guild was founded in 1998 when a group of artists wanted to create a place where they could share ideas and work collaboratively.

Current guild members range from professional ceramic artists to hobbyists who just enjoy making pottery on the side. Melanie Helmuth, a current member, said “As a full-time urban forester for the city of Goshen, I tend to bring my love of trees and nature into my pottery work.”

Helmuth says she got her start in pottery after taking classes at Goshen College. The guild gave her an opportunity to continue learning from experienced teachers. While members come and go, one thing that remains constant is the sense of shared community. “I feel lucky to be a part of this community,” Helmuth said, reflecting on her experience being involved since becoming a member.

Many members of the guild have work displayed in a juried show in Elkhart and keep busy by making bowls to donate for the Empty Bowl Soup Supper event taking place in March. This event serves as a fundraiser for First Light Mission, a homeless shelter in Goshen that provides a safe space and support for those in need.

The painters’, printmakers’, jewelers’ and clay artists’ guild all provide different services and products to the people of Goshen. Through the art that they create and the learning opportunities they offer to curious participants, guilds enrich Goshen with creativity and commitment to community engagement.

Founded in 2021, the Goshen Printmakers’ Guild serves as a thriving community for printmakers and other creatives. Situated in downtown Goshen, hidden in an alleyway behind Fable’s Books on Main Street, the space is home to 12 different letterpresses, silkscreens and etching presses.

The guild is open for the community to use and hosts a variety of school field trips throughout the year.

Ida Short ‘15, who runs the guild said her favorite part is “The collaborative nature of it.” Short said they, “come away with an idea for something they could print themselves, or their next project they’ll work on. I love helping folks bring their ideas to life and be creative in a new way.”

One popular use for this space around the upcoming holiday season is using the letterprint presses to print handmade cards to share with loved ones. Short welcomes both beginner and veteran artists to get involved.

On Nov. 7, there is a printing and poetry night with local author J. E. Misz from 5-8 p.m. All sales at this event will be donated towards medical aid for Palestinians. On Nov.15, from 2-5 p.m., another open house printing event will feature the ECoSistema mariachi band.

This is only a small snapshot of the boundless artistry that Goshen is home to. The guilds are always looking for new people to attend workshops and get involved where they can. Students are welcome to visit and see what these creative spaces have to offer.