Health and Fitness for the Brain

I am constantly amazed by how much of our lives are influenced by the smallest decisions we make every day.

Last week Thursday, I went to a Young Professionals of Milwaukee event with a coworker. Our plan was to make a quick appearance and then sneak out, as we'd both had a long, busy week and were eager to get home. When we walked into the Renaissance Place, we had our pick of tables, and feeling a bit anti-social, we chose an empty one. A couple of minutes later, a man sat down next to me.

My first thought, to be perfectly honest, was I wonder if he's going to hit on me? (Now I know these events are meant for networking and learning new things, but it's also well-known that it's a good place to meet dates, too.) I thought, out of all the empty chairs here, he sat right next to me? 

Then I realized that he'd been there first. His bucket (yes, his bucket) was beside his chair, so really, it was I who had invaded his space. Lucky for me, he didn't mind. He smiled and introduced himself as James Carlson and we started talking about what we do. When he mentioned Bucketworks, I was immediately intrigued, as I'd heard of it but had never been there and didn't fully understand what it was all about.

"It's a health and fitness club for the brain," he told me.

Huh?

He explained a bit further, but since the event was about to start, we decided that I would just have to come take a tour of Bucketworks. He made me a business card – a painted card of my choice, with his info written in the color of my choice – with the supplies in his bucket.

Once the event was over – my coworker did indeed cut out early, but I stayed for the rest of the evening – James and I chatted some more. And I was just in awe of him.

We meet so many people in this life, but it's very rare to find someone who is so passionate, so interesting and so inspiring. He spoke with a great intensity and excitement; he asked thoughtful questions and then was genuinely interested in the answers. Seeing his enthusiasm for life and for creativity was like looking in the mirror, though I realized that he does such a better job of just putting it out there for all to see, without being guarded or shy.

I went home that night so inspired. And as it turns out, James makes a lot of people feel that way. After I posted on Sunday about meeting the owner of Bucketworks, my pal over at MKE who wrote the profile on me in March, Nikki Sweeney, emailed me:

"I assume you're talking about James Carlson. He's amazing – one of the most brilliant and wacky and creative people in this town."

She went on to say that she profiled him last year (see it here) and said that she felt inspired after meeting him, too.

Monday night, Dave and I headed downtown to meet James at Bucketworks for a tour. He greeted us in the lobby and told us about his space.

Simply put, Bucketworks is a place for adults to play; to get creative, feel inspired, and let their imaginations run free. It focuses on three right-brain areas – theater, dance and art – and three left-brain areas – technology, business and leadership. Beyond that, there is nothing really set-in-stone as far as what the place is. It is what its members make it; they can use the space and the materials as they see fit.

The warehouse space is divided into different rooms including a gallery, a conference room, a workshop, a graphics bay, a computer lab, a workshop, a sewing bay, a crafts bay, a painting area, a play space, a children's area, a stage, a recording studio, a woodshop, and a dance studio.

Individuals can come and paint a picture, sew a dress, or make a shelf. Dance groups and actors can use the space to rehearse; musicians can come in and use the sound equipment and recording studio. Members can even call Bucketworks their office if they're looking to start a business.

The space is used for various events, performances, and shows, and a wide variety of classes are taught there, too. You can see the schedule on the website and you can sign up for their mailing list to stay in the loop on happenings. Tours are given on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. and last about 15 minutes. Membership is $35 a year for an individual. Yes, you read that right - $35 for a whole year to come and go as you please and have access to all the materials there.



Bucketworks is not-for-profit and is only one component of James' company, the School Factory. Most of the materials are donated. For example, Kohl's department stores donate leftover paints from their catalogue shoots each season, and the paper factory that runs in the same building as Bucketworks throws away huge reams of paper every week that members are more than happy to use.

It's just a fascinating concept that is obviously serving a lot of people well – membership grew from around 50 members to more than 500 in the past year. I was quite impressed with Bucketworks – it's unlike any place I've ever seen before. Any would-be craftsman or artist would be very well served with a membership. I plan to stay on top of what's going on at Bucketworks from now on – I'd love to attend a class there in the near future.

Even more than I was impressed with Bucketworks, I was and am impressed with James. The world needs more people like him – full of passion and ideas with a genuine love of people and life.

He told me that he loves Milwaukee, loves that it "isn't finished yet." It's an evolving city with a lot of potential – and you can bet that James is a big part of and will continue to be a big part of the transformation.

If you happen to see a man in plain clothes walking down the street carrying a bucket – that's probably him.

As for me, I'm very happy I chose to sit at that particular table last Thursday. 

Comments

[KaraMia]

Sounds like a nice place to hang out. To bad i'm in Washington or i'd be all over that idea. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Kara

[kelly]

i have never heard of this place and i am bummed i dont live in milwaukee anymore to take advantage of it. $35 a year - thats a steal!

[Mark]

Wow Erin... this sounds amazing!! I'll be going down there today to establish my membership. :)

Wow do I love this city...

[charles]

it is an amazing project! i guess its nice to come up with the same project here

[Linda]

As a VERY right brained individual (with some left-brain tendencies) I would SO love something like Bucketworks! What an amazing man, and an amazing idea!!!

michele sent me...but i think I'll be back!

[Christi]

Loved this post. It really makes you think!

I've driven past that building many times on my way home but never knew what it was. Now I do, and I may just have to check it out myself.

[monnie halberg]

What a great concept!
Is there a Madison chapter? This is something ALL adults need...
I enjoy reading your blog (being a Milwaukee girl myself!)

[Erin]

Hey Monnie,

I don't think there's a Bucketworks in Madison, but Nicole's profile on James said:

"Five other Midwestern cities - Appleton, Madison, Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis - have expressed interest in getting their own Bucketworks, and Carlson's staff will scout Appleton sites next month."

So maybe there's something in the works!

[monnie halberg]

Thanks Erin!
I'll be on the lookout!

[Dara]

wow, I would LOVE to go to a place like that! Too long a drive from Arizona, I'm afraid - lol. Michele sent me.

[jammarlibre]

Hi
Thanks for your site.