Open Works
Open Works COVID-19 Update 6/6/2020
Hello!
We hope everyone continues to be safe and healthy in these perilous times.
In the past week, the country has been reckoning with decades of racialized policing. We are proud to have supported Baltimore’s peaceful protestors by distributing over 500 face shields to marchers and medics in order to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
However, the work of dismantling white supremacy is complex and requires ongoing work. 50 years after the Civil Rights Act was passed, the median net worth of a Black household is just 10% of the median white household, a disturbing statistic that we all can help reverse.
Please help by patronizing the vendors who have sold at our annual Shop Black pop up shops in the last three years. Are you a Black maker who would like to be added to the list? Email frontdesk@openworksbmore.com.
You can also help support two important organizations that have been busy distributing food to local seniors and families during the pandemic. ReBuild Johnston Square is headquartered directly to our southeast, and the Greenmount West Community Center serves families in our neighborhood.
Open Works is committed to racial and social justice for our staff, members, and community-at-large. Black Lives Matter inside of this building — every day. We hope you will join us in furthering this mission.
Makers Unite Update
The Makers Unite project is still going strong! We have now produced 26,500 face shields for medical personnel, first responders, and food inspectors. We are now working to complete one final order for the USDA that is due on Friday, June 12th. After that, we will be sunsetting the project.
Reopening Update
As of 5 PM today, Governor Hogan has approved moving to Phase 2 of reopening. However, local jurisdictions still have the ability to overrule that. As of Mayor Young’s press conference at 12:30 PM today, Baltimore City will be moving into Phase 1 on Monday, June 8th.
What does this mean for Open Works? We are allowed to reopen some non-essential manufacturing with our own employees but we are still not allowed to re-open to members or for other public activity. As of next week, we will be winding down face shield production and start building all of the new infrastructure we need to keep you safe — sneeze guards, sanitization stations, and signage.
The Open Works Board of Directors approved a reopening plan at the Q2 meeting on May 22nd. It is now available as a PDF on our blog. Please read it carefully and understand that it is a framework that is subject to change as data continues to inform our decision-making.Our approach can be summarized by three simple rules:
– Wear a mask at all times
– If you or someone in your household is sick, stay home
– Clean machines/surfaces with disinfectant after you use them
Still have questions? We thought you might ;). Join us for our next community call on TOMORROW, 6/6 to go over reopening plans. Join by Zoom here.
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...
