Open Works
Open Works COVID-19 Update 3/27/2020
A LOT has happened since we last posted, so please buckle in and get ready for a deep update . . .
First off, we have launched a collaborative emergency response effort to manufacture face shields for health care workers in partnership with Innovation Works and We the Builders. People from all over Maryland are 3D printing parts at home and we are assembling, packaging, and distributing them to those who need through an order portal here. We are making these available at cost to healthcare providers and asking for donations to keep the lights on and the staff paid at Open Works while we rush to fill a critical need. This project has really brought out the best in our maker community! If you’d like, you can donate here, or sign up to print at home here.
Our Executive Director Will Holman even offered to shave his beard if we raised $25,000 towards this project by Friday . . . so, folks, having hit a total of $32,655 as of this morning, here he is bare-faced! Head over to our Instagram page to see some other beard-related shenanigans that will hopefully provide a laugh at a time when we could all use one.
Last week Governor Hogan shut down non-essential businesses indefinitely. We will not be billing for membership until we know that we are able to be open. However, we’re not sure what normal will look like at Open Works when we return. We had to furlough all of our part time staff this week, and that has been really really tough for all of us. Further, we have been hit with unexpected bills like a full decontamination deep clean of the building that took place on Tuesday.
When we reopen, things may not be the same as they were when we left, largely because your membership fees and grants cover the cost of staffing and operations each month. And both of those revenue steams are taking a huge hit in the past couple of weeks.
We also understand that many of you may be facing financial uncertainty as well right now and we want to do what we can to work with you to make sure you have access to all that Open Works has to offer. Concerning memberships we want to give you a few options. If you can keep your billing active this month, it would be a huge help in making sure the shops are stocked and staffed when you get back
- Continue My Billing in Support of Open Works
- Suspend my membership until Open Works reopens
- Cancel my membership
Need to get in to get your stuff or mail? We had to suspend scheduling visits until we got our facility cleaned. Please email office manager Tiersa Sullivan to set up an appointment to come in. We have gloves available, but please ask that you wear a mask.
Onto the fun stuff!!
The hardest part of getting through these trying times is being isolated. We’re with you. We miss you all. And we hope that you are doing well and staying healthy. We are can’t wait to hang out again — but in the meantime we’d like to carve out some digital space for you. We’ve set up a private Facebook Group and Slack Channel for members.
This month we’re bringing Tipsy Tuesday back…virtually! Join us for a community happy hour over Zoom. Let us know if you can make it by RSVPing here.
While we’re making face shields around the clock, we’re pleased to bring you “Making in Place”, at home DIY video tutorials from our education team as a part of our #makersUNITE initiative. Multiple times a week, our education staff will bring you at home DIY ideas for tiny and grown makers! We’re also highlight what some area makers are doing during this time to help #flattenthecurve.
Check out our YouTube Channel, Facebook Live, and Instagram streaming fo ra variet of #makinginplace content.
We can not do this without you. This community would not be the remarkably vibrant place that it is without each and every one of you. Despite this pandemic, we hope to stay engaged and keep building the bonds that has made Open Works so special all along.
Open Works is Elevating our Game Night Experience
Open Works, the vibrant community hub, is thrilled to announce dynamic collaborations that promise to elevate its renowned Game Night experience, held every 4th Wednesday. In a strategic move to enrich the engagement of our members and community, Open Works now offers...
Open Works Announces Exciting Partnership with Rubys Artist Grant
Open Works is thrilled to announce our partnership with the prestigious Rubys Artist Grant program. The Rubys Artist Grants are known for providing direct funding of up to $15,000 to Baltimore-area artists, empowering them to embark on innovative projects with...
DIG Fellow: Josh Russakis
Meet Josh Russakis I grew up in Baltimore went to City College for high school. My making discipline straddles a lot of areas. I restore, customize, and modifying vintage motorcycles in my own shop. I design and make furniture for my home, silicone molds to cast...
DIG Fellow: Lindzor Parker
Meet Lindzor Parker Lindzor is a Maine raised and Baltimore based silly goose with an overwhelming drive to create. Despite many trials and tribulations, nothing has stopped Lindzor from pursuing their dream as an artist. Their journey started as a seed volunteering...
DIG Fellow: Aliana Grace Bailey
Meet Aliana Grace Bailey Aliana Grace Bailey is an interdisciplinary fiber artist—taking up space with bold softness. She was born and raised in DC, and has lived and worked in Baltimore since 2018. Working in surface pattern design, large-scale weavings,...
DIG Fellow: LaQuida Chancey
Meet LaQuida Chancey LaQuida Chancey, also known as Quida or Q, is an East Baltimore resident. She designs shelters, hosts micro-shelter design thinking workshops with community members and teaches them how to safely use tools. In 2019, she designed and built a 20...
DIG Fellow: MC Carey
Meet MC Carey MC Carey (they/them) is a printmaker and lover from Columbia, MD now making and living in Baltimore! MC loves playing with texture and creating hand carved linoleum block prints throughMee their print studio, Femme Prints. When they aren’t getting only,...
Open Works Weekly 4/7/23
Increasing Digital Equity Beginning this Spring! A number of different neighborhoods throughout central Baltimore will be able to charge their devices and access WiFi thanks to our partnership with the Central Baltimore Partnership (CBP). The 29th Street Community...
The Open Works Future Fund
Open Works is in the process of establishing a network of makerspaces, and we're reaching out to seek your assistance! This month, we have an exciting project underway: constructing a shed near our loading dock. This shed will help free up valuable studio space inside...
Open Works Weekly 3/31/23
Do you want to bring your young person into the Textiles shop to sew with you? It's time to get them youth certified! Combined with our new youth membership option, we now offer a portable sewing machine class that prepares you and your young person for working...
Open Works Weekly 3/24/23
We've got just TWO of our 105 micro-studios left! Small but mighty, each comes with fast wi-fi, an optional workbench, and conference room privileges. But the best part is joining up with the fascinating and wide-ranging creative community! And have we mentioned the...
Open Works Weekly 3/17/23
TODAY! Join us at 10:30 with your little one for story time with Mrs. Abigail! Grab a coffee from our friends at Black Acres and enjoy songs, stories, and activities. While you're in, it would also be a perfect time to register any older siblings for Maker Camp 2023....
Open Works Weekly 3/10/23
One of our FAVORITE things to do is connect makers with opportunities! There are a lot coming up in the next few weeks -- check out the links below for accelerators, competitions, and vending opportunites.+ The inaugural Make/Space Accelerator is now accepting...
Open Works Weekly 3/3/23
Enrollment is OPEN for Maker Camp 2023! We are offering 5 weeks of half-day summer camp exploring drones, digital design, and fabrication skills for ages 8-15. All 5 weeks sold out last year, so don't wait! Scholarships are always available here. Not sure about...
Open Works Weekly 2/24/23
Today is the 3rd day of our EPIC wood shop reorganization! We are busy cleaning, labeling, engraving, inventorying, pegboarding, and moving machines to improve member experience. It will take another week or so to wrap up final touches. Going forward, each tool will...
Open Works Weekly 1/12/23
There are still a few open spot for official premiere of the Black Butterfly Dream Lab with Dr. Lawrence Brown. Participants will play the board game Urban Cipher, view a history exhibit, examine Baltimore City's budget, and literally build a more equitable...
Open Works Weekly 1/6/23
It's been quite some time in the planning process, but the cafe take-away window is finally up and running! Currently open from 8–9am, you can now grab take out from Black Acres Roastery just a few short steps away from the ample parking along Greenmount Ave. As part...
Open Works Weekly 12/23/22
Just a few quick things before we close up for the break. We're closing early today, at 3:00pm due to staff being out sick, and will be closed, as planned through 1/2/23. We want to encourage everyone to stay safe and healthy out there. We also wanted...
Station North Arts Walk
TONIGHT!!! 5–8PM Tonight is Station North Arts Walk’s Spotlight on Greenmount West and Open Works will serve as a hub with a maker’s mart, food vendors, and music from DJ Trillnatured. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Maker Vendors...
Open Works Weekly 6/24/22
Today, we’re graduating the first cohort of the Baltimore Sewn Trades Training Program!!! Congrats to Kay, Ellie, Jody, Will, T., D., and Devan! It’s hard to sum up all the hard work and detailed learning that went into completing this program, but the slim binder...
The Boutique Life at Open Works
Number one perk of writing the Open Works newsletter is the opportunity to go around asking our talented members a bunch of questions about their work. Last week I had a chance to sit down and chat with Samantha Montgomery from The Boutique Life, one of our resident...
Open Works Weekly 5/13/22
Are you interested in computer-aided design, CNC routers, 3D printing, laser cutting, or making furniture? The Makers Unite CAD Training program teaches AutoDesk Fusion 360, use and operation of our CNC (computer numerical control) wood routers, and basic woodworking...
