A Creative League & Coworking Club

The Common Well is a dynamic community of artists and entrepreneurs who share space, collaborate, network and play in an old factory at 110 W. 31st in Garden City, Idaho, just minutes from downtown Boise. Members rent dedicated or flexible studio space which includes access to meeting rooms, event spaces, high speed internet, phone booths and a kitchen. But it’s free to join our community and we welcome artists & entrepreneurs at every stage of their careers. Click here to join or learn more.

A unique highlight of The Common Well is our Art Program, which consists of a contemporary art gallery, innovative artist residencies, classroom space and an outdoor stage. The Art Program is supported in part by community donations through our fiscal sponsor, Surel’s Place; a grant from J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation; and a partnership with Alexa Rose Foundation. Our curated gallery exhibitions feature outstanding artists from near and far making works that challenge, engage and inspire our audiences. Stop by and let us help you find the perfect piece of art for your collection, the ideal workspace to launch your best ideas; or the hippest spot to host your next event.

We strive to be an example of what’s possible in a happier, healthier and more creative workspace

Meet the Team

  • Katherine Shaughnessy

    CO-FOUNDER & CURATOR

    Katherine is an artist & entrepreneur with an MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and many years of experience working and volunteering in the arts, education and politics. Before landing in Boise, she spent over a decade living in the wild and vibrant art community of Marfa, Texas. Katherine is dedicated to connecting artists and collectors both near and far and to shepherding experimental and challenging contemporary art projects to The Common Well. She is married to Tom Michael, General Manager at Boise State Public Radio. They have two children — one at Boise High and one at university in The Netherlands. Katherine most recently showed her work in an exhibition at Sun Valley Museum of Art.

  • Amber Lawless

    CO-FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    Following a 30 year career in Commercial and Residential Development, Design and Construction, Amber couldn’t help but observe that environment shapes creative spirit. Lawless put this philosophy into action by launching Fort Builder with her son, Grayson Lawless, to build thoughtfully-designed cowork and event spaces that encourage community and support opportunities for entrepreneurs. When Amber met Katherine in 2022, they joined forces and Fort Builder evolved into The Common Well. An experienced Coach and Arts Educator, Lawless actively works to dismantle the ‘starving artist’ cliché by mentoring creatives on how to earn a living from their work. Her fearless go-to-market strategies, paired with a practical ‘step one, step two’ approach make belief contagious wherever Amber Lawless goes. In her spare time, Amber and her husband, Michael, love chasing their adult children and grandkids.

  • Grayson Lawless

    CHIEF DESIGNER & FABRICATOR

    Grayson Lawless is an artist, carpenter, developer and licensed general contractor from Idaho. He completed the renovation at The Common Well and crafted the fixtures and furniture. Grayson’s skills range from design and branding to fabrication and production. As a multi-dimensional artist, he works in wood, metal, clay, and leather, and also runs the screen-printing studio at The Common Well. Outside The Common Well, a majority of his work consists of unique remodels, tenant improvements and custom woodwork.