TORRINGTON – A safe space for creative souls. Later this month, a group of teenagers who gather once a week to share, support and discuss all things artistic and inspired will offer the public a glimpse into their labors
of love.

The Charcoal and Quill Guild, hosted by the Goshen County Library, began in the fall of last year.

“I think it’s important to give these youths a sense of fellowship,” Guild Leader Helen Pugsley said. “Life can be tough when you’re the introverted kid who carries around a notebook. So, meeting seven other people who are in the same boat as you is really helpful.”

In her role as leader, Pugsley’s duties include moderating discussion, providing tea, preparing members’ pieces for display online and inside of the library, and offering feedback.

“Of course, any of them can shoot me a text at any time to say, ‘How does this look?’, ‘How does this poem flow?’, “What do you think of this story?’ I try to give helpful feedback,” Pugsley said.

The group, geared toward ages 13 to 18, meets on Thursdays at 4 p.m. at the library. In what Pugsley described as a “relaxed environment,” she and the teenagers gather around a table and enjoy tea, cookies and each

“We go around the table and share what we’ve made for the week, from the first volunteer to the person on their left. No one has to share, but usually everyone wants to,” Pugsley said. “I think it’s really cathartic for them to share their work in an environment where they’re not going to be made fun of – it was one of my worst fears when I was in school. 

“Honestly, whenever they nudge me into sharing, I’m still a little shy,” she said. “So, I commend each and every one of them for their bravery.”

Charcoal and Quill Guild’s public show is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 30 at the library. As of last week, Pugsley said five individuals had signed up to share their work, including: Avy Finch, drawings; Brandon Stone, drawings and poems; Emma Bell, drawings; Ioni Finch, drawings and miscellaneous; Megan Cockett, novel excerpts.

“Everyone does a little something different, and we like that here,” Pugsley said.

“I think it will be cool,” Ioni said of the upcoming show. “It’s the first exhibition of anything I’ve done.”

“I’m really excited for it, though,” Avy Finch added. “I like doing … pen drawings with just a ballpoint pen, black and white landscapes – sometimes I use color.”

Cockett said, in addition to novel excerpts, she plans to display song lyrics and, potentially, book covers she’s designed for works she’s authored.

“(Charcoal and Quill Guild) is a good place to make friends and share your work without getting judged, and a good place to get feedback,” Cockett said.

The group also fosters growth through experiences both positive and negative, Pugsley said.

“One member has told me she’s been a lot more creative since she’s had a reason to create,” Pugsley said. “One of the most gratifying moments for me, personally, was seeing the pure, unadulterated joy on one member’s face when he saw his work in a frame for the first time.

“I’ve had one or two people learn that when you put your work out there, not everyone is as receptive as you would hope – which is really a shame,” she continued. “But that’s just part of sharing your work with the world. You have to keep creating anyway. It’s like falling off a bike and scraping your knee. You clean up and keep going.”

To view Charcoal and Quill Guild’s works ahead of the public showing, visit the group’s Facebook page or stop by the Goshen County Library at 2001 East A St.