SHAK Makerspace Reopens - Invites Makers & Crafters to Join
Have you ever wanted to try something new and didn’t want to invest in the equipment? Does the thought of wanting to try something new but not knowing how to get started make you feel overwhelmed? Are you looking to be part of a community of local makers and artists? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a membership at the Spirit of Haynes and Apperson Kokomo Makerspace may be for you.
SHAK Makerspace is located at 210 W. Monroe St., Kokomo
Founded in 2013, SHAK’s mission is to provide the community with an opportunity to learn new crafts with access to all of the materials, equipment and instruction needed to succeed. Starting at $35 a month per person or $50 for a household, memberships grant 24-hour access to all of the equipment needed to begin or perfect your craft.
“It’s like a gym membership, but instead of treadmills and weight machines, we have sewing machines and bandsaws,” said member and volunteer Alan Anderson.
Current members, almost 2 dozen of them, are excited to have new makers join and share their crafts.
“We’re having a lot of people coming on again since we’ve opened back up. We took a pause in open houses and advertising during Covid-19 because we didn’t want a lot of people here all at once,” said Anderson.
Some of the machinery available for 24/7 use by members at SHAK
Located at 210 W. Monroe St., Kokomo, this former auto parts warehouse includes supplies and equipment needed to learn skills including woodworking, welding, 3D printing, stained glass art, blacksmithing, painting, sewing, ceramics, enameling, electronics, rug hooking, wood and metal turning, jewelry making, design, fabric dying wool spinning and much more!
Organizers say it’s not just the use of the equipment that benefits members, it’s a sense of community and belonging.
“I'm always impressed with the creativity of all of the makers that come here. And making with all of the other members seems to supercharge that quality. You may have one idea at home in your garage, but here, you could have ten,” said Susan Alexander, co-founder and volunteer.
Another benefit of this monthly membership is access to ideas of other like-minded makers and creators.
Items made by members at SHAK on display
Teri Sutton, a new member at SHAK Makerspace, appreciates the sense of belonging she feels when she enters the space.
“I always did a lot of crafting with my mom and sisters and I missed hanging with people that have the same interests and crafting together. It kind of completes the circle. You can be creative but you’re making new friends,” said Sutton.
She said she also appreciates the “try before you buy” experience that SHAK offers.
“It’s nice because you don’t have a big investment of trying a craft,” Sutton said. “You can come here and learn about it before you buy the equipment yourself.”
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join as members at the Makerspace. Heather Joines, a longtime member of the organization, runs a craft group with Alexander for those with special needs. Every Monday at 3:30 p.m., “Rock on Craft Group” meets in the space and according to Joines, nobody leaves without a smile on their face.
“They love it. This is just a wonderful place. It just makes me happy because they are happy,” said Joines. “It’s just a fun place.”
You don’t have to have experience in a specific craft to become a member at SHAK.
The Makerspace members says the organization prides itself on being open and welcoming to everyone.
“We had people come in and say ‘oh, I'm not a maker, I just do this or that.’ Whatever you’re making, you’re a maker,” said Alexander.
If you’re interested in learning more about SHAK Makerspace or taking a tour, visit their website here.