About us

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A haven for the practical arts.

Gather Sebastopol is more than a shop—it’s a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Located in the heart of downtown Sebastopol, Gather brings together heirloom-quality tools, thoughtfully chosen home goods, and hands-on workshops that reconnect people with the joy of making. From fiber arts and fermentation to gardening and cooking, everything we offer is designed to nurture a creative, self-sufficient, and sustainable way of living.

Born from a love of craft and community, Gather was founded on the belief that the everyday act of making—baking a loaf of bread, knitting a sweater, tending a garden—is both deeply human and profoundly meaningful. Our space is a modern homage to timeless skills, where tradition meets today’s curiosity. Here, you can discover durable tools, learn new techniques, and connect with others who value doing things by hand and doing them well.

At Gather, we believe that sustainability starts with skill, quality outlasts trends, and that creativity flourishes best when it’s shared. Our workshops, taught by passionate makers and local artisans, invite you to slow down, learn something new, and find joy in the process. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsperson or a curious beginner, you’ll find inspiration, guidance, and community under our roof.

Come gather with us—learn, create, and connect through the practical arts.

Meet the founders

Jen Koelemeijer and Erin Hilmer created Gather Sebastopol out of a shared dream—to build a space where creativity, community, and practical arts could thrive side by side.

Jen Koelemeijer

Jen brings deep roots in business and community leadership, with a background in finance and over 15 years of experience owning and running a small business. Jen loves to garden, knit, and crochet, and she’s also a certified Master Food Preserver—sharing her passion for traditional food skills and the beauty of seasonal living. Jen’s vision for Gather is to create a welcoming space that empowers people to live more creatively, mindfully, and connected to their community.

Erin Hillmer

Erin, a seasoned creative director with two decades in brand storytelling, has always been inspired by the intersection of design, craft, and daily life. Outside her professional world, she’s an avid knitter, gardener, and maker who believes in the beauty of a slower, more curious, and intentional way of living.