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12 months and counting... We're almost there!
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This past year has been a constant pivoting as the pandemic changed our worlds. And it taught us the value of our community, our connections to each other, and the power of making things.
Initially, Decatur Makers jumped into the leadership team of our Atlanta Beats Covid (ABC) initiative providing 70,000 PPE to frontline workers across Georgia. We moved forward with a limited opening of our space with Covid-protocols, launched virtual workshops, and built a Little Free Pantry to support our neighbors struggling with food insecurity.
We also kicked off our Making Spaces teacher professional development program, partnered with the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and their “Art for the People” Project, and built 580 desks for young people learning from home across Atlanta.
As we're preparing to further open up access to our space and in-person programs with the larger metro-Atlanta community, we're currently growing our outreach programs, rebuilding our membership and training systems, adding to our equipment cache, cleaning out our makerspace, and reorganizing a more efficient layout. More on all of this soon.
The light is winking at the end of the tunnel, and we're excited to get back to more in-person making, but we need your support to get there. Please consider helping the helpers. If you can, click below to make a donation in any amount to Decatur Makers as we continue to empower makers of all ages across Atlanta to create and learn, positively impacting their lives. Thank you!
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In celebration of Women's History Month, we're highlighting some of our lady makers in this newsletter...
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Decatur Makers is kicking off a regular sharing of some of our inspiring members who are dedicated to the art of making with a first spotlight on the amazing Corinne Matthews!
Click here to learn more about why she loves making, her favorite DIY project to-date, and a fun fact: https://decaturmakers.org/member-spotlight-corinne-matthews/ |
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Shelby, as a member of Decatur Makers, learned how to use our Glowforge laser cutter and it had quite an impact:
“I didn't get a lot of time at the maker space (before Covid hit) but to say that my experience there changed my life is an understatement. I've been living full time off my [laser cutting] business for a year now and I constantly am finding new applications. Thank you for all you do to make this space a reality.”
See what Shelby is making and selling on her Etsy page: Cactus to Pine.
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Our Executive Director, Irm Diorio, led a DIY Loom and Weaving workshop that highlighted the connections that weaving has with coding.
Decatur Makers is a community partner in a 2-year teacher professional development program funded by the Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) and led by our friends at the Drew Charter School.
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While at home and in the makerspace, our members have been busy making some of the things that make them happy, to give as gifts, and/or that solve problems. Here are a few that they've shared... #makersgonnamake
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Member Ann is playing with iridescent paints to create beautiful realistic artwork centered on insects.
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Member Kate laser cut pieces and parts to create an Easter basket build project she will be doing virtually with her nieces.
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Member Amy made this stunning leather sling bag recently.
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