Open Works
Open Works COVID-19 Update 4/30/2020
As the COVID-19 crisis grinds on in Maryland, we are continuing to manufacture critical medical equipment for frontline workers. The Makers Unite initiative has grown so large that we just launched a new permanent online home for it at www.mdmakersunite.org. Check it out for photos of the process, shields in use by healthcare workers, press links, and links to all of our collaborators and donors. As of today, we have made just under 15,000 face shields and distributed almost 11,000 of them. Need some? Order through the portal here or email will@openworksbmore.com.
Looking for a good laugh? Our face shields even star in their very own music video now!
We have heard from many of you about regaining access to the space. Sadly, we are still under an indefinite mandatory shut down order from the Governor’s office. Governor Hogan’s plan for reopening requires new cases to decline for 14 consecutive days; unfortunately, cases are still on the rise. Billing will remain suspended for the month of May.
However, we have started planning for a limited, phased reopening that tracks with governmental guidance. Reopening will be necessarily be accompanied by new protocols for sanitation, mask use, and social distancing. At this point, we are hoping a June 1 date is realistic. In the meantime, our staff will be reaching out via email and phone to survey all of you in the next two weeks. We want to check in, see how you are holding up, and determine what you think your access needs will be.
Second, we will have a State of the Space Zoom call on Saturday, May 22 at 11 AM. Look for an invite next week!
Last, this project making face shields has enabled us to make some improvements to the space! We just got an awesome Anycubic resin printer and 7 (!) new FDM machines from Creality. We can’t wait to share them with you!
Just because we’re shut down doesn’t mean you need to stop making! Our robust Making in Place series has continued on YouTube Channel, Facebook Live, and Instagram over the duration of our closure. These tutorials are designed to make use of simple tools and regular materials around the house. We’ve got fun videos on everything from no-sew masks to pinecone bird feeders to brewing beer!
Need help with your small business during this unprecedented time? Our friends at the Central Baltimore Partnership are maintaining a great resource page for loans, grants, and guidance on navigating all of the state and federal programs for small businesses.
The YMCA of Central Maryland is coordinating food distribution sites all over the city if you or someone you know is in need.
We want to stay in touch! We’ve set up a private Facebook Group and Slack Channel for members.
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...
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...
