Welcome to 16 State, Sonya!

We’re excited to share that Sonya Bates has joined the Makerspace at 16 State Street as our new Creative Space Coordinator.

This role is all about helping 16 State become what it was always meant to be: a welcoming, active, creative space where people can make, show, sell, learn, gather, and try something new. As Creative Space Coordinator, Sonya will help bring that vision to life through workshops, gallery exhibitions, events, rentals, and the day-to-day care of the space.

Sonya brings a beautiful mix of experience in small business, hospitality, food, nonprofit work, and community programming. She previously owned the Flour Shop Bakery in Surry and worked as baking manager at Cleonice Mediterranean Bistro in downtown Ellsworth, building strong local connections along the way. More recently, her work with Healthy Peninsula and the University of Maine has focused on creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for people to connect.

“I’m excited to work with Heart of Ellsworth! It’s a pleasure to join a team that’s committed to building community through art and creativity,” said Sonya. “I look forward to supporting artists, fostering connections, and welcoming the community to the Makerspace.”

We’re so glad to have Sonya helping shape this next chapter at 16 State. The space is growing, the calendar is beginning to take shape, and there is more to come.

Welcome, Sonya. We’re lucky to have you at the door.