In a world increasingly dominated by screens and virtual interactions, the San Diego Craft Collective in Liberty Station is a vibrant hub of hands-on creativity dedicated to teaching crafts. Not quite a school, it’s a nonprofit that offers a full suite of crafting programming, including more traditional art projects, gardening, and commercially applicable trades. The goals are to foster mental wellness and community, reconnect individuals with practical knowledge and skills, and provide integrative learning experiences by getting people to make things with their hands.
“Our mission is to teach craft to the community, and we have several programs that teach woodworking, organic gardening, and working with clay, glass, and textiles,” explains Steffanie Dotson, the founder of the San Diego Craft Collective. She’s a seasoned woodworking instructor who, while teaching at the college level, encountered students who lacked basic practical skills, despite their academic achievements. This disconnect between traditional education and hands-on learning inspired her to create a space where craft could be used to bridge that gap.
Dotson says this need became even more apparent during the Covid pandemic, and the Craft Collective’s mission became clearer. As the world grappled with isolation and heightened anxiety, the organization safely opened its doors, offering a creative refuge. “Craft is a remedy for mental wellness, depression, and anxiety,” she notes. “It’s not just a creative outlet; it’s actually good for your mind and body.” At the time, it was also something people could learn to do and take home in relative isolation while still actively using their minds and bodies.
A cornerstone of the Craft Collective’s impact is its high school internship program. Partnering with local schools like High Tech High and e3 Civic High, the program offers students a first taste of the professional world. These internships go beyond job training; they’re transformative experiences that help students discover and pursue their passions.
She remembers a project by two interns who created a stuffed bear using a wardrobe of old clothes. This creation became a storytelling tool for the collective’s “littles” program, designed for three- to six-year-olds. The project not only honed their sewing skills but also allowed them to see the direct impact of their work on young children, a first for many of the interns outside their own families.
Other interns need more encouragement to get started but find themselves blossoming once there. Dotson recalls another intern whose interests on his application were listed as music and video games. “He seemed a little bit lost, like he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life,” Dotson recalls. Through the program, he discovered a passion for woodworking and guitar making. This journey reignited his interest in math and opened his eyes to new career possibilities. “Being here as an intern really opened up his eyes to where he could go in the future,” she shares. “He now has ideas of teaching woodworking or instrument making.”
The Craft Collective’s influence extends well beyond individual interns: It works with Title One schools, teen recovery programs, and other community organizations, offering craft-based outreach that enriches lives and fosters a sense of community. Their efforts are powered by the generosity of donors and volunteers and grants that support their extensive programming.
Dotson says there are many ways to get involved in supporting this 501 (c)(3) nonprofit. Donations fund operational expenses and community outreach programs, ensuring the Craft Collective can continue to offer its wide range of services. They also welcome volunteers and encourage community members to visit during their open houses in Liberty Station on the first Friday of every month, where free kids’ crafts are available.
Nowadays, it’s easy to feel like the importance of tactile, hands-on learning is frequently overlooked. Not only does this mean that beautiful things are created less and less, but it also means that people are developing fewer skills in their absence. By bridging the gap between traditional education and practical skills while adding a serious dose of creativity and fun, Dotson and the San Diego Craft Collective are creating not just beautiful objects but brighter futures, too.
