Winthrop, Washington is a small, Western town (pop. 500) in the North Cascades mountain range. During the 2020 pandemic, young artists like us kept busy by making, creating, and launching online businesses. It was such a trend that it was even written up in the local newspaper! We (Ayla, 14 and Maeve, 11) noticed our friends were inspired to make and sell arts and crafts, and also learn outside of school. A beautiful retail space came available in downtown Winthrop. We thought: “We can serve tourists, locals, and kids!” We asked our friends and local young artists if they’d join us. The Mind Buffet was born!

Our Aunt, Mara, is visiting our family for the year. She is an entrepreneur and has experience starting businesses. She is excited to serve young people and is the Mind Buffet’s janitor (from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and ends and, through metaphor, doors and passageways).

We are grateful to our sponsors Spring Creek Ranch, which hosts our Artists in Residence.

If you would like to learn more, become a sponsor, or join us please email us at themindbuffet@gmail.com