Maker Works provides access to tools, space, and learning opportunities, but it’s our wonderful makers who make the community great. We’ll be featuring new members often, so keep checking back to hear about more of their stories and fabulous work!
What do Cats and D&D have in common?
The venn diagram of people who like them is almost a circle. Meet the person who took a love for both of those things and turned it into a thriving handmade business!
Life’s greatest difficulties can catalyze incredible art.
When faced with tragedy, Kelly turned to mixed media, ceramics, and metals to make sense of her grief and honor a loved one’s memory. Today, she’s a skilled metal fabricator and prolific sculpture artist.
“My boyfriend made some sweet wood boxes!”
That’s the title of the Reddit post that launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. Elderwood Academy may be a gaming empire today, but it all started with a gift idea and access to our CNC router and laser engraver.
A maker journey that spans across continents.
After going to school in Germany for Fashion Design, Anke moved across the ocean and found herself looking for a place to make in Ann Arbor. She now works out of our craft area creating elegant leather accessories and art.
Does Maker Works make Ann Arbor worth moving to?
According to Ewunet, it sure does! When relocating from Philadelphia, the presence of our makerspace was one of the major reasons he decided moving to this part of Michigan was worthwhile. Read on to find out why.
Michigan roots, international renown.
Erika Cross may have gotten her start in Michigan, but her work is recognized nationally and internationally. Find out how she uses the resources at Maker Works to create innovative furniture and modern art.
After you graduate from art school, what’s next?
Even though she lost access to the tools at her university after graduating with an MFA in Metal and Jewelry Arts, Yuye didn’t let that slow her down. An Artist in Residence position helped her keep following her passion.
Hobbyists have a place at Maker Works, too!
Meet Anthony, a long-time volunteer and member of the shop whose creativity never ceases to amaze us. He uses the CNC tools in the wood, metal, and craft areas to bring his gadgets and inventions to life.
It’s never too late to learn a new skill.
Patti picked up woodworking as a hobby only a couple of years ago, but her skills have come a long way in that time. She’s a testament to the fact that it’s always worth putting the effort into learning a new craft!
This 12 year old entrepreneur proves that age is just a number when starting your own business. Check out Zachary’s handmade wares and his advice to other young makers here!
A community of makers is our most valuable resource.
Great tools alone does not a great community make, which is a huge part of why Thomas felt so at home after joining Maker Works. Find out what he has to say about how our shop’s members make all the difference.
Creating art that’s a real conversation starter.
Laura Earle is a mixed-media artist who makes things worth talking about. Per her statement, “I’m interested in how art starts a conversation and becomes a catalyst for building community and shifting meaning.”
Saving the environment, one gasifier at a time.
The Poás Bioenergy team started as a group from the University of Michigan learning how to weld in our metal shop. Today, they’re making an environmental impact from their base in San Jose.