If you’re feeling the urge to explore your artistic side, this Harrisonburg nonprofit gives you the chance to dive into your creative abilities. The Making Space, founded in 2016, provides a supportive environment that encourages artmaking, enriching the Shenandoah Valley through creativity, connection and learning.
The organization serves to make the arts accessible for all — regardless of financial or educational limitations — and does this by offering free classes and opportunities for community members to explore their creative side. Through workshops, The Making Space connects local artists with the community, providing supplies and encouraging people from all artistic backgrounds to participate.
The Making Space was originally established by four people whose goal was to merge art and community. Led by one of those founders today, the board is run and operated exclusively by women:
- Maria Paz Esguerra, President
- Malea Gascho, Vice President
- Erin Conway, Event Coordinator
- Marcia Weaver, Treasurer
The Making Space believes that everyone is an artist, working to provide limitless boundaries to creativity and allowing community members to find their inner Leonardo da Vinci.
Make the Most of The Making Space
To inspire inventiveness, The Making Space hosts free monthly Open Studios, where community members can explore their creative outlets or learn a new artistic skill in a judgment-free space. Open Studios provide all the tools and materials needed to create, giving aspiring artists free range to let their imagination take over. For select classes, The Making Space partners with local artists to teach various artistic techniques.
Want to meet other artists in the community? The Making Space hosts “makers meet-ups” at various locations around the Shenandoah Valley. The meetups are a chance for creatives to introduce their most recent project and socialize with other designers. Attendees can bring a project that they’ve already started or create something completely new.
Other Ways to Get Involved
The Making Space is always looking for volunteers to join its team, regardless of artistic ability. Volunteer duties include:
- Help with setup and cleaning
- Assist with facilitation of events by greeting participants, helping the demonstrating artist, etc.
- Foster community and collaboration among participants
- Participate in the event when your shift is over
To learn more and stay up to date on community events and offerings, visit its website or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
