In the summer of 2024, I interviewed a few creative individuals with the hope of starting a new project—a printed journal. However, it turned out to be more challenging than I had anticipated, mainly due to time constraints. Rather than losing those valuable conversations, I decided to post some of the interviews on the website. Many of them were introspective and personal, while others felt like thoughtful reflections on art and craftsmanship. I connected the responses and transformed them into personal essays, which I found deeply inspiring and wanted to share them with you.

By Marieke Verdenius

Our 45th edition of The Gatherists was held at the light-filled atelier of artist illustrator Maartje van den Noort, located in a former monastery. The space, with its high ceilings and scattered paint bottles, with the smell of paint from nearby art surrounded the participants and evoked a deep sense of creativity and reminded me of my own first studio. I baked fig and stone fruit cakes the night before, and the next morningtogether with my Femke, we set up the table with ceramics and linens.

As guests arrived, their initial shyness faded into conversation. We shared Maartje’s brownies and cake, brewed coffee, and herbal tea under the soft morning sunlight. The entire experience remains close to my heart—filled with meaningful connections, warmth, and creative energy. 

A previous gathering in a hidden city garden in Amsterdam was equally inspiring, blending nature with artistic energy. What makes these events truly special is not just the location, but the genuine connections that form. Many participants meet for the first time, yet through shared stories, a creative bond quickly grows.

These gatherings, like this one, always remind me of why I started The Gatherists: to create spaces where creatives can meet, inspire each other, and build lasting friendships. It’s about the simplicity of sharing time, food, and conversation with like-minded individuals in beautiful settings.

The Gatherists' gatherings typically feature a large, inviting table with linen, handmade ceramics, home-baked cakes, slow-drip coffee, and herbal tea, creating a calm yet vibrant atmosphere. These meetings often take place in artists’ studios, with the participants invited simply to show up, share, and connect. My co-host and I handle all the details, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the experience without the pressure of contributing more than their presence. Sometimes, we also collaborate with chefs or brands, turning the event into a sponsored dinner or breakfast.

I never planned The Gatherists around specific locations. Instead, I am inspired by the creatives I meet, whose unique workspaces often offer a perfect backdrop. Over time, we have gathered in a linen brand's studio, a ceramicist’s atelier, and a botanical perfumer’s workspace, among others. The variety of locations adds to the richness of the gatherings. We’ve even hosted events abroad, including at Numeroventi, an artist residency in Florence, which brought together an international array of creatives.

The idea for The Gatherists grew out of a personal need for connection. As freelancers, co-founder Margot van der Krogt and I struggled to find informal ways to meet like-minded creatives. We invited a few friends to my atelier in the summer of 2017, including some who followed us on Instagram, and that small gathering evolved into a series of successful events. Since 2019, I have solely hosted gatherings with creative friends. The 46th edition will take place in October 2024, with friendships, collaborations, and creative projects continuously emerging from these meetings.

As a photographer, my vocation complements The Gatherists. Capturing these moments, the spaces, and the people who attend allows me to not only document but also enhance the experience. It’s a way to visually share the story of each gathering, connecting the artistic spirit behind each event with the world

The Gatherists is not just about networking or promoting oneself. It's about curiosity, shared vulnerability, and fostering genuine connections. At one event, a textile designer and a painter collaborated on an exhibition, while the painter created art for a chef’s restaurant. These spontaneous collaborations are the magic of The Gatherists—they happen naturally through shared moments of conversation.

While creativity is often seen as a solitary pursuit, meeting other artists can spark new ideas. A simple word or exchange can shift the direction of a project. These gatherings allow for the kind of organic, insightful exchanges that don’t always happen in solitude.

As for finding balance, I believe it’s about recognizing your own needs—whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, the rhythm of your creative life requires a mix of social interaction and solitude. The Gatherists was created out of love, not for profit, and that’s what defines success for me. It’s not about turning it into a commercial brand but about creating meaningful moments for those who attend.

Looking forward, I’m focusing on hosting another event in Copenhagen this fall and planning gatherings in various parts of the Netherlands. The 50th edition is approaching, and while I’m not sure of the details yet, I want it to be something special. I’m also exploring the possibility of sponsored gatherings, which could provide new opportunities for collaboration.

For anyone interested in organizing a similar community, my advice is simple: start small, invite a few people, and share an experience together. If you’re in a remote location, plan ahead, find a friend, and set a date. Even if it’s months away, that first step can make a big difference.

To join our future events, I recommend following our Instagram page or subscribing to my newsletter. The Gatherists is, at its core, about connection, and that’s reflected in every edition we host.

The Gatherists, founded in 2017 by freelance creatives Margot van der Krogt and Marieke Verdenius, started as a simple way to connect over coffee and cake in Amsterdam. This monthly gathering The concept, hosted a few times a year, has since evolved into a platform for creativity and collaboration, both in the Netherlands and abroad.. Marieke Verdenius, an Amsterdam-based creative director and photographer known for her elegant, natural light work in lifestyle, interiors, food, and still life, has been the solo host of The Gatherists since 2019. She continues to inspire new projects and friendships through informal, agenda-free meetings, offering homemade treats and fostering meaningful connections.