We are
The Making Place
Your local makerspace
A makerspace is a place in which people can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge.
We want to become a community hub that brings people together because we see a need in the Valley for more positive social spaces that do not revolve around alcohol or consumption but instead around sharing and learning.
The Making Place first began as a project in October of 2023 with a public interest survey gauging demand for a community makerspace. The results indicated a desire for three main services: workshops & classes, a tool library, and a communal workspace.
What is a makerspace and why did we start one?
We want to make it easier for people to create. We want to provide a "third space" in our community where people can connect and hangout. Our longterm vision is for The Making Place to grow into a large workshop that meets the wants and needs of our community.
For artists The Making Place could be a space to practice your craft, teach workshops and classes, share work with the community, or check out a tool.
For community members The Making Place could be a space to learn new skills, shop for local art, access resources, or attend events.
We exist to provide creative space and resources for our community to make, share & learn together. We want to empower a community driven art scene & enable the local making culture to flourish.
Support
-
We serve people that want to make things
-
We put the best interest of our artists and makers first
-
We seek to grow and evolve our services with community feedback
-
We create an inspiring and creative place
Include
-
Walk in and be welcome
-
We welcome and take care of new people
-
A community space that brings people together
-
We prioritize accessibility
-
We are open minded and always listen to new ideas
Share
-
We work better together
-
We collaborate and cooperate in building our space
-
We respect and care for each other and the space
-
We share the responsibility to build and maintain the space
Sustain
-
We learn and share knowledge
-
We are financially responsible
-
We prioritize safety
-
We limit the harm done to our natural environment
-
We give back to our community
-
Events, Workshops & Classes
From hide tanning to letterpress printing, our workshops & classes span many disciplines; highlighting the range of skills in our local creative community.
Our community social events bring people together around the act of creativity.
Tool Library
A tool library is like a regular library- instead of books, members can borrow tools to support their projects.
Our tool library consists mostly of hand and power tools for fabrication projects. We also have a few "kids kits," boxes of crafting supplies for young people.
Online Resources
Our open source online resources aim to connect the creative community in The Flathead.
Communal Workspace
Members can use our large tables and stationary tools in good natural light to work on their projects.
We offer daytime and 24hr access to our workspace.
Who is behind the scenes?
The Making Place is organized and run by a group of volunteers- working board members and enthusiastic participants. We are artists, makers and professionals collaborating to create a makerspace for our community. Check us out below and come say hey at one of our events!
Interested in getting involved?
Amy Gwartney
Amy is managing and organizing our programming.
Brooke Myhre
Brooke is managing our volunteer program.
Ellen Mering
Ellen is our board's Vice President, leading our fundraising efforts and working on our administrative planning.
Jess Garby
Jess is helping with our outreach.
Justin Barry
Justin is our board's President, coordinating administration, leading meetings and networking.
Kay Lyle
Kay is assisting in our operations.
Marijke Stob
Marjike is helping to manage our facilities.
Shannon Leahy
Shannon is our Marketing Lead, managing our marketing efforts and social media.
Sienna Broglie
Sienna is assisting our operations and marketing.
Tricia Hinchey
Tricia is our board's Secratary, working on communications and administrative planning.
Join our team of organizers!
Attend one of our biweekly meetings where we discuss and plan the strategy and operations of The Making Place.
We are a group of community volunteers making it happen, you could join in the fun! Interested in helping out? Volunteering your skills? Joining our board?
Sponsored By
Signature Sponsor
Creativity for Kids Sponsor
Creativity for Kids Sponsor
Creativity for Kids Sponsor
Art for All Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
