Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Jabar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elizabeth, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I come from a family of builders and organizers. My grandfather came to the United States from Lebanon as a child and settled in a small mill town in Maine, like so many other immigrant communities across the US. He was a weaver in textile mills and became an organizer for the United Textile Workers of America in 1934, and remained an active, well-respected union leader throughout his lifetime. He modelled and passed down the value of community building, working for the common good and fighting for justice and fairness for workers. His steadfast commitment to working people illustrated that change and struggle were a marathon, not a sprint. His work with labor unions also underscores the power and potential of working collaboratively to build the communities we want and need. It is only in the last few years that I have fully grasped the impact of his legacy on my family, the values we were taught, and how these have shaped my professional life. Work for the common good, build community and set your sights on long-term impact.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My work as an artist and educator is located in the studio, classroom and community. Working with artists and communities for thirty years has given me unique insight into the vital contributions artists make to their communities and the unique resources and support they need to produce their creative work. Through teaching and leading public engagement initiatives, I have witnessed how artists bring innovative solutions to complex problems, spark a community’s creative capacity to drive change and provide essential opportunities for individuals to connect and thrive. Creative work is not only about the thing we make—the artwork or event—but also about the relationships, values, and community we build to achieve it, as well as a long-term commitment to investing in and sustaining these efforts.
However, I have also observed gaps between sectors and noticed that artists are often underutilzed in strengthening the infrastructure of civic and social systems. Artists need models, networks and platforms for civic participation and entrepreneurial endeavours. I established Hinge Collaborative as a storefront studio to serve as a connector, catalyst, and launchpad for artists to engage in community-centered development, fostering investment in their work and encouraging the growth of a robust art community in Central Maine.
The Hinge Collaborative storefront studio showcases limited-edition prints by 40 emerging and established artists from Maine and across the United States. We celebrate the art and craft of printmaking and photography, highlighting traditional materials and analogue print methods, including woodcuts, etching, lithography, screen printing, and book arts. We also design and facilitate workshops, exhibitions, socially engaged art projects, and educational partnerships that bring artists and community members together to convene, connect, learn, and create. Meet-the-maker workshops and community art projects foster relationships and provide a unique platform to engage with emerging and established artists, learning about their creative processes and the craft of printmaking.
Hinge Collaborative plays a vital role in Waterville and Central Maine’s emerging creative community ecosystem. We are the first artist-owned business in Waterville, located in the revitalized downtown area. We partner with local organizations, educational and cultural institutions on public programs that are inclusive, participatory, and culturally resonant. Hinge builds bridges between local artists, community members, and institutions, forging coalitions and civic relationships grounded in the arts.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Take creative risks: one of the many gifts of art school is developing the courage and discipline to pursue your ideas, experiment and push to articulate your unique artistic voice. This critical discipline and practice are foundational to everything I do.
Teach to learn, learn to teach: I have spent my entire career in the space of teaching and learning. This has cultivated boundless curiosity and a beginner’s mind; two essential qualities for discovery and growth. Be open to others’ ideas, listen deeply and reflect.
Be a bridge: find your mentors and colleagues and mentor younger folks in your profession. Build intentional spaces and opportunities for mutual support and creative exchange. Collaboration and connection spark our creativity and establish networks of support.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My dad purchased a set of World Book Encyclopedias when I was young. He never gave us the answers when we were struggling with homework. His answer was always, “Look it up in the World Book”. This simple lesson instilled the value of working to discover the answers-it was about the learning journey, not just arriving at the correct answer. I cherish this memory and am so grateful for understanding the value of lifelong learning and cultivating curiosity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hingecollaborative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hingecollaborative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-jabar-aa7a2231/
Image Credits
Elizabeth Jabar
Sean Alonzo Harris
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