Open Works
Open Works Weekly 6/18/2021
Have we mentioned that we’re relaunching monthly membership July 1?
Even though we’re rolling out the new pricing and membership structure (pro-membership $80/mo., resident-membership $175/mo., day passes $20) that doesn’t mean we’re done with the pandemic just yet. We’re still asking anyone coming into Open Works to fill out a contact tracing form upon entering the building and continue to check in with the front desk.
We will still require everyone to wear masks covering mouths and noses.
Starting in July reservations will no longer be required for the shops and only be required for the CNC Embroidery machine, Digital Fabrication (lasers and CNC), and the 3D printers.
Lawrence Moore, founder of Heavy Paper Design Co. is a familiar face to many in Baltimore’s maker community through his work with Open Works and the Station North Tool Library. Lawrence is versatile! He moves seamlessly between woodwork, metalwork and digital fabrication in pursuit of his goal to create form, function and beauty through raw materials. Take a quick scroll through his Instagram (@heavypaperco) and not only will you see some beautiful furniture and houseware, but you’ll be stunned to see how many of your favorite Baltimore business have turned to Lawrence for custom signage, shelving, and furniture. Check out some of his work.
We are pleased to reintroduce our in-person Shop Safety Classes in wood, metal, digital fabrication, sewing and embroidery in July 2021! These in-person, 3 or 6-hour sessions will give you the confidence to safely explore machines, tools and technology and are required before shop access.
Are you an expert maker looking for a quicker entry into the shops? Our new Fast Track pathway to shop access may be for you. Register and complete the online half of the instruction on Teachable.com (free), then return to this page to schedule your Fast Track class ($55). The online quiz and in-person class are required to gain access to Open Works’ shops.
Are you tired of schlepping your stuff back and forth and back and forth and back and forth? Of course you are. Now, I know what you’re thinking. A 7’x7’ micro-studio is a steal for only $175/mo., but what about folks who just need a little space to store their work and some materials? Turns out, we have a solution for that too, with storage cages available in two sizes, 4’x4’x8′ full-size storage cage for $85/mo., and 3’x3’x3′ half-size storage cage for $45/mo. Resident members are eligible for $10 discount on storage spaces. Availability is limited so act fast and stop schlepping today!
Pictured above is Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in 2003 advocating for Juneteenth to be recognized as a federal holiday and again this past Wednesday striking the gavel after the bill to accomplish that passed the House of Representatives. Open Works will be closed on Saturday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. The Baltimore Sun put together this great list of events happening across the State.
SUNDAY WORKSHOP POSTPONED
Unfortunately, we have to postpone the concrete casting workshop and origami workshop that were scheduled for Sunday, June 20th until the fall. You can still order the concrete casting make at home kit, along with these great other kits from our online store.
Link Soup
+The amazing folks at Impact Hub are looking to hire an Operations Coordinator and Community Lead.
+Re-Build Johnson Square Park Neighborhood Organization and resident members The 6th Branch are hosting a health screening info session, flea market and composting open house Saturday, June 19, 8am-12pm.
+Baltimore Design School 2020-2021 virtual highscool art show.
+This report highlights why some of the work done by resident members The 6th Branch is so important.
+Greemount West community center wash n’ fold still going until the 27th.
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...
