What types of tools do you have?

Please see our website for a complete list. We have 4 areas: Metal, Circuits, Wood and Craft. Each area has a core set of tools such as lathes, oscilloscopes, soldering stations, sewing machines, and power saws as well as 'finishing' tools such as sanders and grinders.  We also have a Tool Crib with hand tools such as dremels, drills, saws, screwdrivers, ratchet sets, micrometers, clamps and more. Currently we have 5 computer workstations with Alibre, Solidworks, Corel Draw x4, Partworks software programs and more.

I don’t know how to use many of the tools.

That’s ok! We teach classes on all of our tools, which walk you through the Standard Operating Procedures for each tool. These classes are free for the 3 selected resident artists.  We hope that resident artists will experiment with tools they haven’t used.

Do you supply materials?

No. This cost is the responsibility of the selected artists. We do have a small retail store that sells items of convenience such as vinyl for our Roland Vinyl Cutter and items for electronics as well as standard cutting and engraving tooling for some of the CNC machines. We can guide you as to where to buy material locally.

Can I have materials delivered?

Yes. Maker Works has 2 loading docks. We often do trips to the local lumber yard and material supply companies and can pick up materials if organized ahead of time.

Are there assistants who can help me build my work?

Unfortunately, no. Maker Works staff will train you on the tools you require and can provide technical assistance. That being said, one of Maker Works’ missions is to help link up those who have skills with those who have the ideas. In some cases, we can let our membership know if an artist has a special need- specific knowledge or just raw labor. Members are often very generous with their time. 

I live really far away from Ann Arbor?

Maker Works Residencies are only for artists living in Washtenaw, Monroe, Macomb, Livingston, Wayne and Oakland Counties. We do not provide housing or sleeping facilities. We do not provide transportation to and from the facilities. There is an established bus system that does make frequent stops near our facilities.

What might a typical day look like?

We can’t say.  Selected artists are encouraged to spend as much time as possible at Maker Works during their residency.  Maker Works has morning, afternoon and evening hours. If you are an artist who has a 9-5pm job, you may be here during the weekends and evenings. If not, you may be here during Maker Works open hours.

How is safety established in the studio?

Maker Work is a community-based studio, which means we have beginner makers working alongside professionals. What this translates to is we take safety very seriously. Maker Works has 20 Principles of Safety. These principles are taught at the beginning of each class. All Maker Works members abide by these principles and we expect all resident artists to abide by them as well. Maker Works reserves the right to terminate the residency when staff judge that it is necessary to do so for the safety of the community.

Will I have my own private studio?

At this point in time, we do not have the space to give artists their own private studio. What we do offer is a desk in a communal office, the tools and classes, space to build your projects, space to store your works-in-progress and a supportive and knowledgeable community of makers all for free.

Can I have friends visit me at the Maker Works?

Certainly! We encourage it! Family and friends are more than welcome to stop past and see what you are working on. Though friends and family are not allowed to use the tools unless they have taken the tool classes and then purchased a membership.

Maker Works encourages artists of all backgrounds to apply for admission. Maker Works does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, disability, HIV status, or veteran status.