The Unmistakable Power of the “Makerspace”
Have you ever wanted to build a shelf, sew your curtains or even just fix your bike, yet you haven’t the space or the tools? Your local “makerspace” might just be the answer. More and more as time goes on, physical spaces–most commonly old warehouses or restored garages–are being repurposed into creative community centers–aka, “makerspaces:” places where people can go to learn, think, create, and collaborate on all different types of projects. Many of these spaces offer educational workshops, tool and equipment rentals, collaborative and shared workspaces, and sometimes even private studio space. These makerspaces are critical to the development of talents and creativity; of course, individual creativity deepens the richness of community, and that’s the true magic of this phenomenon.
Here are a couple of our favorite community “makerspaces” in the New England area:
Courtesy of Port City Makerspace,, Portsmouth, NH
PORT CITY MAKERSPACE: PORTSMOUTH, NH
68 Morning Street Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-373-1002
Port City Makerspace is a nonprofit organization “dedicated to embracing the spirit of making and encouraging all people to learn.” Their fully-equipped workshops in the areas of woodworking, metalworking, blacksmithing, and more are fully equipped to help you create the project of your dreams. They also offer classes and a range of flexible membership options. Collaboration is key at Port City Makerspace!
ARTISAN’S ASYLUM: SOMERVILLE, MA**
10 Tyler Street, Somerville, Massachusetts, 02143
(617) 284-6878
Described as a “non-profit community fabrication center that empowers individuals to give form to their ideas through membership, education, and workspace,” Artisan’s Asylum is often touted as one of the most successful makerspaces in the area. Their emphasis on community building through education is what makes them truly special.
THE WORKBENCH: EASTHAMPTON, MA
One Cottage Street, Easthampton, Ma. 01927
413-527-6103
The Workbench is a makerspace focused mostly on traditional crafting in the area of woodworking, as well as computer aided design (CAD). They offer popular classes for many age groups, as well as private lessons, and “open shop” hours for independent, collaborative creation.
THE CLAREMONT MAKERSPACE: CLAREMONT, NH
46 Main Street, Claremont, New Hampshire
603-504-3419
Operated out of a historic mill building, the Claremont MakerSpace is unique in that it offers tons of resources for creators and encourages those creators to become entrepreneurs. In addition to both shared and private workspaces, members also have access to business start-up tools to help them share their craft with the community.
TECHNOCOPIA: WORCESTER, MA
44 Portland Street 6th Floor, Worcester MA, 01608
774-420-2244
Technocopia offers a multitude of resources for artisans and creative-minded people of all skill levels. With classes and workshops, common workspace, rental bays, tools, and extensive supplies and support in the areas of woodwork, metalwork, glasswork, and more, Technocopia is the perfect one-stop-shop for all kinds of creators to develop their skills in a community-minded, collaborative environment.
This Article is Published at Artisans List a Business Listing Website