An enormous periwinkle-blue building stands tucked away in downtown Brunswick. Inside, nearly every wall is covered with artwork—from paintings and sculptures to fiber and mixed media. On one side, a gallery shop is packed with pieces for sale; to the other, artists gather around a bright studio table, chatting as they work. It’s a place that feels alive with creativity. 

This building houses Spindleworks, one of the most vibrant artist communities in coastal Maine. Founded in the 1970s, Spindleworks is an inclusive, collaborative art studio for artists and makers of all abilities. It is part of Maine’s Independence Association, which supports individuals and families with disabilities in their chosen communities. Spindleworks' artists share their artistic and crafting skills through workshops, collaborative projects, and daily studio work. Everyone shares a commitment to creative freedom. 

Among Spindleworks’ artists is Sophie Jacobs, a multidisciplinary maker skilled in many crafts, including sculpture, watercolor, pencil drawing, weaving, embroidery, and printmaking. “I love it here,” she grins, “I feel safe.” Whether at a table or at a weaver’s loom, she finds art making to be fun and values the bonds she creates with other artists at Spindleworks. 

Sophie’s creativity often flows from one medium to another. A series of woven pieces in progress may inspire a new painting, while sketches of flowers glimpsed outside become embroidered studies rich with texture and light. Her extensive knowledge of weaving comes from her fellow artist and friend, Earl Black, who is one of Spindleworks’ experts on fiber and wood arts. 

Spindleworks’ studios are organized by medium—painting, drawing, weaving, woodworking, pottery, and more. A flourishing garden is cared for by participants in the Gardening Program. Spindleworks is a studio for all approaches to art making, focusing on ways for artists to grow creatively. 

Sophie’s current projects include a painting of sunflowers inspired by one of her earlier embroidery designs, along with a beaded strawberry piece that sparkles when it catches the light. She often takes inspiration from nature, making “quick little messy sketches” that will later evolve into other works. Gardenshop at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens currently carries nature-inspired greeting cards created by Sophie and other Spindleworks artists, in addition to fiber arts and other unique pieces. 

For the artists at Spindleworks, seeing their work shared through Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is deeply meaningful. Their pieces—now reaching new audiences through Gardenshop—help them become more visible in the greater art scene in Maine, and invite visitors to see the world through the artists’ eyes. 

“[Founder] Nan Ross in the late 70s saw art as a way to equalize,” says Brian Braley, Spindleworks’ Senior Manager. 

As Spindleworks approaches its 50th anniversary, its community continues to grow, now home to more than 40 artists. Each brings unique talents and perspectives, but all can fit into the robust social network that the studio creates.