There is always a gap between information and understanding. Often, the more information, the greater the gap, and with the expanse of information at our disposal today, this gap can become a gaping chasm. Yet the understanding we seek has profound significance for our lives, whether it is whimsical such as making a great Halloween costume for our children or of critical financial consequence such as negotiating the mortgage industry for the purchase of a house.
Of course, there are countless help manuals for practically every topic. We can also search the internet and winnow through the chaff to find the few grains of accurate information. Yet, the times when people could ask members of their community for advice seems to have passed. Still, the opportunity to discuss topics on a personal basis with others we trust is often what we most desperately seek. Not only does this provide some of the best insights, it tightens the bonds between community members. One business, the Brooklyn Brainery, is striving to bridge this gap and renew these bonds.
The Brainery was founded in 2010 by Jonathan Soma and Jen Messier. Initially opening in the Gowanus Studios, the business has found its own space at 190 Underhill a few blocks from the Brooklyn Museum and the main branch of the Brooklyn Library. Behind the large storefront windows, a warm, open space extends in a casual yet meticulous organization of worktables and rows of seats to accommodate a variety or workshops and lectures ranging from Beekeeping to Homebuying.
The class sizes are generally small and personal, ranging from 15 to 25 people. They are also affordable, lectures start at $8. If you have an idea for a class, or would like to conduct a class yourself, Jon and Jen are always open for suggestions too. Jon informed me that he and Jen like to focus on whatever they find interesting.
These events provide the public with the opportunity to inform themselves on a variety of issues and topics as well as introduce themselves to their neighbors based upon their shared interest. So, even if we can’t always knock on our neighbor’s door to ask for advice about the best way to use the light meter on our new digital camera, we can always take one of the classes on photography at the Brainery.
Most important, the Brainery is nurturing a community that knows itself, and this is accomplished by members of the community sharing the wealth of their understanding by informing one another.
Check out the list of classes on their website at: www.BrooklynBrainery.com.
Garrett Buhl Robinson is a poet and novelist. www.garrettrobinson.us.
