So, what next?

If you landed here, chances are you’ve taken a class, a workshop, participated in a survey, or attended some of our programing and are interested in being a part of the Open Works community. We know that folks come here with a variety of different goals, interests, and backgrounds so we put together this guide to make sure you can find the resources and info you need to get started.

Nichole Sullivan of Keppel and Kismet at the table saw at Open Works
Instructor showing 3D printers at Open Works

Community Orientation

The first next step to everyone’s maker journey at Open Works is Community Orientation. This is an amazing place, full of cool stuff and even cooler people. It’s also a place with a lot happening, so it’s important that you have lay of the land before firing up a big ol’ piece of shop equipment. Community orientation is your opportunity to get a full tour of the building, meet some of our amazing staff, and fellow makers, who share your new-found interest in Open Works. It’s also required to use the facilities, but it’s fun, we promise.

Community Orientation is every Wednesday, 11:00AM–12:00PM and Saturday, 3:00–4:00PM.

Community Orientation

The first next step to everyone’s maker journey at Open Works is Community Orientation. This is an amazing place, full of cool stuff and even cooler people. It’s also a place with a lot happening, so it’s important that you have lay of the land before firing up a big ol’ piece of shop equipment. Community orientation is your opportunity to get a full tour of the building, meet some of our amazing staff, and fellow makers, who share your new-found interest in Open Works. It’s also required to use the facilities, but it’s fun, we promise.

Community Orientation is every Wednesday, 11:00AM–12:00PM and Saturday, 3:00–4:00PM.

Instructor showing 3D printers at Open Works

What to make first?

Some of you come to Open Works with a lifetime of experience, ready to get a few safety certifications out of the way and hit the work shop floor at full tilt. That’s awesome! We’re excited for the knowledge you bring to this community and can’t wait to see what you’re making. 

The rest of us come here looking to learn something new, which just might be a little more awesome! It takes guts to march into a room full of tools built to chew through wood and metal, or take the reins of an industrial sewing machine knowing that you’ll need to dedicate some of your precious time to getting comfortable with the basics before tackle the project you’ve been dreaming up.

It’s a great idea to find a few short projects to help build up your skills and get acquainted with the work shops. Keeping early projects light on material costs and time is also the best way to maximize the amount of time you can spend making, even if there are a few early mistakes along the way.

We’ve gathered a few of our favorites skill building projects here. Take a look and please do share any great projects you find along your way! If you’re not sure how to meet some of your maker goals, reach out! We want to know what your goals are and if there’s something we can do to help!

Open Works instructor teaching MIG welding

on-site cafe

Greenmount Coffee Lab

Greenmount Coffee Lab is a project of Thread Coffee Roasters, featuring fresh-roasted, fair-trade coffees, craft coffee drinks, and light fare. Located right inside our lobby, Greenmount Coffee Lab is your destination for quality coffee. Stop in and grab a coffee on the run, meet with friends, or make it your spot to work with plentiful outlets and fast, free wi-fi. Visit Thread Coffee Website.

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:30am-6:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am-3:30pm
Sunday: Closed

Need a classroom or meeting space for an upcoming event? Contact us to host your next event at Open Works.

Make it Happen at Open Works

Looking for something else? Open Works has all the tools and resources you need to bring an idea to life, learn a new skill, find a space for your new business and so much more.

Contact Us

1400 Greenmount Ave,
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 862-0424
frontdesk@openworksbmore.com

Hours of Operation

M-F 9am to 9pm
S-Su 9am to 5pm

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