Open Works
Open Works Weekly 1-28-22
I had a chance to catch up with Travis from Black Acres Roastery and hear about a unique single origin roast from Ethiopia that’s currently available. They were able to get beans from this farm, located in the Durame Village of Kembata, last year and were excited to get their hands on some again this year.
The uniqueness of this roast comes from its chocolatey characteristics, which differ from the fruitiness usually associated with the coffee from this region. For the less experienced coffee aficionados like myself, hearing about notes of berry, chocolate, or fruit can be a little intimidating. Thankfully, Travis provided some helpful context, explaining that it’s only “a visual trigger and a sensory trigger” a roaster will use to convey what they feel are some of the defining characteristics of the coffee. This is only a reference point though. Chocolate may conjure images of milk chocolate to some and dark chocolate to others and what reminds one person of blueberries could just as easily remind someone else of strawberries.
Behind the counter, Black Acres has been featuring this roast in their espresso, which really compliments these beans by bringing the flavors more forward in the beverage. “With espresso it’s almost like using the word expressive,” Travis explained. “It’s more expressive coming off of the bar.” This makes for a very approachable espresso, with a subtle build of flavors across the chocolate, blueberries, and tropical fruit.
If you pick up a bag of the Kembata roast and it tastes a little familiar, that might be because it’s been popular with the cafes and hotels that Back Acres Roastery supplies, including the beautiful Hotel Revival here in Baltimore.
This is a single origin roast, so pick yours up at the Black Acres Roastery Café here at Open Works today, while supplies last.
Exciting opportunities for the future of makerspaces in Maryland!!!
The Maryland Makerspace Initiative Pilot Program is being presented before the Generally Assembly in the 2022 legislative session. If passed, this would help create more makerspaces throughout the State of Maryland, with Open Works serving as a model for their success. Because of your success here at Open Works, our elected officials are starting to notice that investing in makerspaces creates economic growth led by entrepreneurs, and investing in access to resources and training creates jobs.
We’ll be keeping you posted on Senate Bill 453 (SB453) and subsequent House Bill (whose number is yet to be assigned) over the next few weeks with updates on their progress, public hearings, as well as opportunities to get involved. In the meantime, reach out to your representatives in Annapolis and tell them why YOU think greater access to makerspaces would benefit Maryland. If you’re not sure who your senator and delegates are, you can look them up here.
Last chance to shop the Made in Baltimore Kiosk at Open Works.
The Kiosk will be heading back to the folks at Made in Baltimore and on to its next deployment on January 31st, so you only have a few days left to pick up whatever you’ve had your eye on for the past few months. We really enjoyed having the Kiosk in our lobby and this opportunity to promote more member products, but we also really want to know what you think. Let us know in the comments on Instagram if you enjoyed the Kiosk, or want to see more projects like it in the future.
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...
