Arts & Culture
The Craft Castle in Hampden Offers a Creative Respite from Everyday Life
Craig Reinauer's adult arts-and-crafts studio was born out of a dream for people to reconnect with their imagination.
From the moment you enter the door of The Craft Castle, nestled on Hampden’s The Avenue, the feeling of warmth is almost overwhelming. Whether it’s the fresh-cut flowers lining the work desks, the DIY name tags handed out to participants, or the mini fridge stocked with seltzer, it’s the thoughtful details that make this adult arts-and-crafts studio so special.
Opened in October of 2022 by owner and former Baltimore City school teacher Craig Reinauer, The Craft Castle was born out of a dream to offer a safe space for people to reconnect with their creativity and imagination—which is so often lost in the drudges of adulthood.
“I wanted this to be an escape from what’s happening in people’s day-to-day lives, where they can reconnect to themselves and remember who they are through arts and crafts,” says Reinauer. “Getting your hands on tangible materials and doing something as simple as a collage or a friendship bracelet grounds people in the present moment, which is rare in a world of endless scrolling.”
The studio offers two-hour crafting sessions where you can reserve a fully stocked desk to create anything you want. They also host weekly meetups for journaling and something called craft club—which reserves you a spot for the entire month. And Reinauer says no previous craft experience is needed.
“Just pick [a material] that piques your curiosity and get lost in it.”
The Craft Castle is rooted in the notion of prioritizing your mental health by taking a break from things that don’t serve you. That is why Reinauer decided to make it a sober space, a decision that kept the studio feeling more authentic to who he was.
“I realized alcohol didn’t add value to my life, and it removed me from who I was at my center,” says Reinauer. “I am in no way preaching a life of abstinence from alcohol, but it’s great to have a place for people who are sober, sober curious, or just want to take a break from drinking.”
What started as a healing journey for Reinauer has turned into a healing journey for many in the community.
“Sitting with like-minded people and creating something is really life-changing,” says Reinauer. “There are moments of quiet, outbursts of laughter, and meaningful connections made.”