Deb asked each person in the group to introduce themselves and to say what they were interested in making. There was a young man interested in working in the metal shop so that he could gain experience for a welding career. A woman interested in the wood shop. A retired pipe fitter looking for a space to create. A high school administrator who had just stopped by for coffee at the newly opened Greenmount Coffee Lab, but decided to stay for the tour when Deb mentioned all the opportunities for students to learn at Open Works. And lastly, me – a clay sculptor set adrift, searching for new ways to keep creating.
Adjacent to the lobby is the stylish Greenmount Coffee Lab- a 100% employee owned coffee, tea and nosh shop run by the folks from Red Emma's. This space has large tables ( also made at OW, natch) to accommodate not only studio members, but anyone who wants to enjoy fair trade beverages, vegetarian and vegan treats, and free wi-fi.
Deb led us through the hall to 2 light filled and spacious classrooms. She explained that the classrooms serve a vital purpose in achieving Open Works' mission: to make tools, technology and the knowledge to use them accessible to all. Among the many classes offered are welding, woodworking, digital fabrication and sewing. The experienced teachers, who are makers themselves, can show you how to create your dream project. The classrooms, as well as the lobby, are also available to rent, and have thus far hosted community groups, a high school robotics competition, and a black tie fund raiser.
Next was the computer lab, where you can design to your heart's content on no less that 16 Dell precision work stations with ample 27 inch monitors. These computer stations are the first step in the design process for any maker wanting to create with the 3d printers, but can be used to facilitate all parts of the creation process. Open Works offers affordable “crash courses” on a variety of computer aided design programs, such as Rhino 3D and Adobe Illustrator.
Around the corner from the computer lab is the textile studio. During our tour we briefly interrupted a safety class on how to use the industrial sewing machines, but the teacher was happy to explain the project for the day. The class was full of adult students, each constructing a small pouch with a zipper. Deb explained what each of the machines did, from making the seam on the bottom of our t-shirts, to stitching leather and heavy fabrics, to fine embroidery. While I am a complete stranger to sewing machines, I left the studio with a new appreciation for the complexities of clothing construction. Deb also mentioned that several sculptors have used the textile studio to make large inflatable soft sculptures out of parachute-like material.
The digital media studio had me thinking about taking some Ansel Adams style photos of my very own. Those beautiful archival quality photos you see in galleries? You can print them here. Ever want to edit your own film? You can learn all about it at the Premier Pro class, and create at one of the well appointed work stations. Did I mention the vinyl cutter? You can print your own images or signs on vinyl- even that sticky kind that you can slap on the wall! Get ready to peel and stick, friends!
The electronics room was a bit of a mystery to me, but Deb explained that many of the components that the students use to make robots are made here. You might also build your own computer or 3d printer, repair an appliance, or make a kinetic sculpture for the next great Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race!