WHEREABOUTS: Event Recap
A networking event for artists and creatives, intentionally designed to build trust, connection, and momentum for York’s evolving arts scene.
There’s something undeniably magnetic about a full building. Not just in terms of bodies or numbers, but in the humming full-ness brings with laughter, quiet courage, and new beginnings. That’s what the Grotto needed, and that’s Whereabouts gave us.
In 2025, the Grotto Community Center kicked off a *new era* in an old building, right in the heart of downtown York, Pennsylvania. While the Grotto has long been a resource for local artists and entrepreneurs since 2019 it is still slowly building a name for itself in comparison to other more established venues like Marketview Arts, a community resource branching off of York College.
A Clear Purpose:
Whereabouts was created in response to a very specific challenge that the Grotto and similar organizations (yes, even Marketview Arts) was facing.
In spite of York being a college town, many students were hesitate to embrace and participate in the downtown arts scene. Whether due to lack of information, access, or relationships, the gap remained stubbornly wide.
This event set out to close that gap with warmth and intentionality by inviting students to meet their creative neighbors, potential mentors, and future collaborators in a space designed to feel like home.
The Invitation: Artists as Neighbors
Our intent was 1:1 interaction for every attendee… From students to struggling artists, we wanted each person to find a match with someone who was one step further down the road.
The influence of this event stemmed from the intentionality in design, not just woven into marketing and messaging, but in preparation of those participating.
We didn’t simply invite people to support us, we asked them to identify with the mission, referring to them as “neighbors” instead mentors in hopes that the purpose of Whereabouts would last beyond a one night event.
Branded prep guides were sent out weeks before, emphasizing
“Go out of your way to make someone feel seen.”
and we relentlessly reminded them not to stick with their familiar circles, but to seek out the unsure, the shy, the new.
This was honestly my favorite part— seeing eyes light up on either side of a conversation, the older artists comprehending fresh potential and young blood. On the flipside, hesitant newbies seemed to draw unexpected strength from those who had already climbed the mountain in front of them. The spark was undeniable, we are in this together.
The Experience: Designed for Belonging
Every touchpoint in the lead-up to the event was crafted to reduce anxiety and boost confidence. For students and first-timers, we over-communicated everything:
What to expect
How to prepare
How to participate
What they’d walk away with
Using Partiful was a game changer in centralizing RSVPs AND giving the event a modern, more approachable feel with a visible guest list and real-time updates via text,
In the chat we created friendly, vibrant guides that reflected the tone of what we were hoping to foster: a sense of kind, joyful approachability.
A Full House!
We planned for 30 to 50 guests. We got over 85.
The Grotto was transformed from a quiet office space, to a warm, living organism. Couches, bean bags, cushions, and soft lighting turned the venue into a cozy conversation den. A craft coffee bar by Pull Shot Coffee and local nosh from Wired Chef gave guests a reason to linger longer (free food always does).
Every person was given prompts for speed networking designed to go deep playfully and purposefully with other creatives, along with a custom map of downtown York where individuals could mark their favorite places to work and mingle, or add new spots discovered through conversation.
We also invited attendees to participate in a creative gift exchange! A low-pressure opportunity to share something they made or spotlight a local artist whose work inspired them. Each gift included a business card or social media handle, making it easy for new friends to follow up, collaborate, or simply stay connected after the night was over.
To keep the energy going, we launched a Whereabouts calendar, centralizing events and meetups in York county so attendees could show up in the community knowing they might see a friendly face.
The Impact
More than anything, the night felt alive. Conversations were buzzing, new artists put down roots, and students realized they didn’t need to wait to “belong”, they already did.
The Grotto got exactly what it needed: a burst of energy, visibility, and purpose to usher in its next chapter. What began as a one-night gathering became a symbolic moment of alignment between generations of York creatives.
Reflection
As the event’s creative director, I walked away reminded that design is emotional architecture. When you’re intentional about tone, touchpoints, and the trust you build in advance, people will show up not just physically—but fully.
Because community doesn’t happen by chance. It happens by choice.
Many thanks to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design for sponsoring this event. You are the innovative thinkers who see and support true change and growth in our creative circles, we are so grateful for your generous sponsorship towards this event!
