News from Lowell Makes
Making 2021 our best year yet
February is always the biggest monthly members meeting of the year, when we host our annual “State of the Makerspace” presentation. Looking back on 2020 was a reminder of how much we have overcome to get here. Thank you for being part of our community!
In 2020 we saw our highest membership month ever (February), our lowest membership month since 2014 (April). In the past year we bought a building, moved in several stages, and established our new home on Western Ave. We are fully open (with COVID-19 precautions in place) and welcoming new members. In 2021, we hope to settle into our new normal and bring you more virtual events and news from our busy shops.
Announcing our next fundraising campaign: Operation Repair our Roof!
This harsh winter has exposed a few leaking spots in our membrane roof above our main warehouse. This is the part of the makerspace that contains our Cosplay, Ceramics, Paint, Plastics, Wood, Metal, Bike, and Rapid Prototyping shops; it’s also the section where we just completed our new build-out.
We want to fix these leaks as soon as possible before they escalate and cause more damage. We are hoping to raise $13,000.
Learn more: Help with our Roof Repair
Upcoming Events at Lowell Makes
Virtual Crafting Meet Up
Sat, February 20, 2021 | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST | $5
This crafting meetup event is to help you stay on track with your project and hang out with other crafters. Whether you are casting on stitches for the first time or trying to stay motivated to complete an outfit, we want to help bring everyone together. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and offer advice as well as chit-chat about anything crafting or not. All skill levels are welcome!
Virtual Small Clover Leaf String Art
Sat, March 13, 2021 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST | $25 – $30
Make a St. Patrick’s day craft from the comfort of your home! Our small clover leaf string art is an easy to follow along online workshop. Sign up for the class to reserve your materials – you can pick up your kit from Lowell Makes or have the kit shipped to you. Deadline to order a kit to be shipped is 3/6/21!
Forward Facing – A Virtual Vision Board Mask Workshop
Sun, March 21, 2021 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST | $30
This virtual workshop is a great chance to think about positive changes you’d like to see in your life, whether it’s around a job, relationships, habits, or just your general outlook. It can be as light or as deep as you’d like to make it. There are no special skills needed other than a willingness to be honest with yourself and to engage in an artistic journey. It’s all about the process!
News from our Shops
The Blick Store in Cambridge MA made an incredibly generous donation of $500 in store gift cards. We shared the donation between our Ceramics and our Fiber Mixed Media and Crafts Shops who purchased supplies like sculpting tools, glazes, pliers, and glue.
Learn more about sponsorship »
Our corporate sponsor RIKON has delivered new machines for our woodshop. Members also constructed 8-foot walls to create rental bays, a lathe room, and a finishing space while still allowing lots of natural light into the room. Email [email protected] or click here to learn more »
Our expanded Machine Shop is up and running and – thanks to a grant from the Fleetwing Foundation – we have been able to add and upgrade some equipment, like the parts washer pictured above (photo credit Lowell Sun).
Read more from our feature in the Lowell Sun »
Our Fiber, Mixed Media, and Crafts Shop members recently crowdfunded to purchase a leather sewing machine.
Learn more about the Fiber and Mixed Media Shop »