Barnone, Groundbreaking, and Guinness

A friend of mine recently visited the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. He described the Willy Wonka-esque tour that covers the brewery’s rich, 250-year history, beginning with the moment Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease.

 

The tour spans everything from the brand’s colorful, ever-evolving advertising to the practiced art of brewing one of the world’s most iconic stouts. He told me that after knowing what went into making a Guinness, it never tasted better.

 

There’s something powerful about that statement. Witnessing the hard work and artistry that goes into making a product only makes us appreciate it more. Consider the clothes you’re wearing or the furniture in your house. How much more would you appreciate these things if you met the person who made them?

 

There’s a growing distance between the maker and the customer. That’s a grain that Joe Johnston has gone against with the recent groundbreaking of Barnone – a craftsman community set to open later this year. Proudly planted in Agritopia, Barnone is a marketplace for makers and buyers of handcrafted goods.

 

In a recent article for Phoenix New Times, Johnston made clear his vision for the community, describing it as, “a stage on which these actors will work.” He’s already gathered the Valley’s most skilled craftsmen to get the ball rolling.

 

Visitors will find creators in numerous fields ranging from restauranteurs to custom sign-makers and more. Much like my friend’s visit to the Guinness Storehouse, it won’t be difficult to see the quality and care that goes into true, craft products. Better still, he can meet with the makers face-to-face.

 

By guest writer

Robbie Bernal