Free*Hand*Salon

Intellect and salve for those who appreciate the hand made.

Making Is Being Human

photograph of a woman viewing the a large wallhanging by artist willie cole
Free*Hand*Salon host Rachel Tayse, contemplating Willie Cole’s Patriot at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Haley Gallery, February 2026.

Ask a chef, an artist, a body worker, a writer what their best tool is and many will answer their hands. Our flexible fingers, warm palms, and sensitive touch are primary to creating.

Creativity is a direct path to the human striving for making meaning and feeling free. In this time of artificial intelligence, peak capitalism, and disconnection, many are returning to the hand made.

In the model of the literary and arts salons, the free*hand*salon will share inspiration, critique, and encouragement for the manual life.

You are invited to the salon experience by subscribing to the always free newsletter.

DIY MFA, in-person salon gatherings, and virtual opportunities are all in the works.

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The free*hand*salon is a newsletter sent no more than once a week. It is free from cost and spam. Read more in the privacy policy.

“Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possible can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.” – Kurt Vonnegut

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The free*hand*salon is a newsletter sent no more than once a week. It is free from cost and spam. Read more in the privacy policy.