Make Santa Fe

Posted by Amaya Hoke in Santa Fe

Cubical work spaces at Make santa fe. Photo by Christy marshall

After exiting the fantastical experience of The House of Eternal Return, visitors of Meow Wolf’s popular exhibit can watch through peeping windows as artists create within the new Make Santa Fe Makerspace. Make Santa Fe has opened a membership based, community accessible resource for artists of all breeds. From computer stations loaded with modeling, design and many more programs to laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines and upcoming woodworking and metal shops, the space offers interactive and collective learning.

Emerging and experienced artists all have the “opportunity to look at their work through a new lens,” Zane Fischer, a volunteer at Make Santa Fe, says.

For those attending Santa Fe University of Art and Design, working alongside an outside community of passionate artists offers an inspiring, different atmosphere than staying on the SFUAD campus.

Ginger Richardson, a member of the Makerspace team, says, “The community [has the chance to] interact with each other and individuals from different creative backgrounds and bring their experience [into the workshop].” This includes providing the time and the space for artists to not only expand the knowledge they already have, but to instruct on the use of entirely new equipment from the most basic level of experience. Artists will also be able to teach specialty courses in the near future. “The idea of bringing local artists into the Makerspace to teach has always been a part of our [intention],” says Richardson.

Sewing station at make santa fe. Photo by Christy Marshall

The Makerspace is considered by Amy Lin, the Makerspace coordinator, to be a magnet for experienced artists. “People come in and they say, ‘this is what I do for a living.’” While the protocol for bringing in local artists to teach is still in a developmental stage, Lin says there is always an opportunity to exchange volunteer work for membership access to the space. “We want people who are invested in this place,” Lin says. The reliance on community strengthens Make Santa Fe as an open, accessible and inclusive workshop for anyone. When teaching sessions become available, artists will be able to apply online through Make Santa Fe’s website.

While the Makerspace already has a wide variety of equipment, Make Santa Fe works to expand its resources and welcomes open suggestions and requests. “Our goal is to be responsive to the needs of the community,” says Fischer.

Monthly, annually, and even family memberships are available to purchase online on Make Santa Fe’s website. In the near future, Make Santa Fe plans to partner with SFUAD for a campus community event to be held within the Makerspace.

This article has been updated with fact corrections.