Letter from the Executive Director

In 2021, our emotions took a rollercoaster ride through the relentless uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we continued to adapt to the changing environment as we cautiously returned to in-person programming.

January kicked off our 10th year of Assembling! In February we safely held our first Unblurred showcase since 2020. The show was D.S. Kinsel’s Nothing But Love, installed in our space and viewable from the street. We also had augmenting videos diving into his work and the street art of Garfield. Unblurred took off from there, with curation by Samira Mendoza, our Monthly Programs Coordinator. They brought in an array of artists, makers, and technologists who had previously been guest experts or who had exhibited at Assemble over the decade. In the fall we also brought back our Learning Parties, Youth Maker Nights, and 21+ Nights as well as our in-person after school programs. To really celebrate, we brought back the MakerDate Auction, our big fundraiser.

Our staff numbers grew as in-person programs came back over the summer. We also had staff turnovers. We learned many lessons about supporting our staff in the new uncharted work waters of COVID, emotional stress, and trauma. Our first-ever Marketing and Development Manager, Andrea Petrillo, moved on from her position in October of 2021. I am forever grateful for the work and passion she brought to Assemble. I am also grateful for Kara Rubio, who as a board member, led the creation of our COVID-19 policies and procedures so that we could safely open for in-person programs.

Assemble is truly the sum of so many amazing people. I am so grateful for our families, youth, staff, interns, community partners, and board members. Here’s to Assembling together in the future.

<3 Nina, Executive Director + Founder, Assemble