Claremont Makerspace: a center of innovation for creators

By CHARLENE LOVETT
On July 6, the Claremont Makerspace (CMS) celebrated its grand opening and the community officially embraced it as a center of innovation in the downtown district. Since that time, CMS has acquired additional state-of-the-art equipment, launched new programming, and created strategic relationships. As a result, it has become the place where men and women of all ages, both in and outside of Claremont, go to create. 

Building upon Claremont’s legacy of manufacturing, CMS is located in a renovated mill building. It’s “saw tooth” roof with rows of windows provides ample natural light during daylight hours. This creates the perfect environment for metal and woodworking, jewelry making, quilting/sewing, lazer cutting, and computer/software design. If members want to learn another form of creative art, they work with other members and the CMS team to explore the possibility. It is a place of creativity with few limitations.

Having the right tools to create is essential. CMS offers members access to a wide variety of high-end tools that few of us could afford or store at home. At the time of its opening, some of the more expensive equipment included a laser cutter, plasma cutter and long arm quilter. The newest additions include a large format printer, a tabletop wood lathe and an electronic fabric cutter. Once members are certified to operate the equipment, they are free to create.

For members who would like to try their hand at something new or enhance existing skills, CMS offers a wide variety of programming presented by experts in their fields. Recently, CMS announced its first artist-in-residence: Anna Fredrick. An installation artist known for her ability to create intimate and contemplative spaces that encourage self-reflection, inspire dialogue and celebrate the human connection, Anna will be working out of CMS through December.

The success of CMS revolves around its ability to create partnerships at both the local and state level. Individuals and local companies, such as Red River and Four Pines, have donated equipment. The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts has provided grants to support programming. Recently, CMS teamed up with the Red River Charitable Foundation to offer scholarships to qualifying veterans and active duty personnel. These scholarships offer a 75-percent discount on both membership and classes. 

In the words of Joshua Bushueff, executive director, everyone is a “maker.” CMS removes the barriers by providing the space, tools and knowledge to create.  To demonstrate this, CMS is hosting an open house on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 7-9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and will include demonstrations of various tools, a showcase of projects made at CMS, and an opportunity to meet the artist-in-residence. If you would like to attend, please RSVP at www.claremontmakerspace.org/events and tour this latest center of innovation in downtown Claremont.

 

Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and welcomes feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to [email protected].