FAQ
What is a “makerspace”?
A makerspace is quite simply a shared space dedicated to making. Makerspaces can be anywhere, any size, or target any kind of making: a basement with a sewing table, the corner of a school classroom with craft supplies, or a commercial facility with tens of thousands of square feet of dedicated machine shop space. A makerspace is a place where folks who share an interest in making can gather, share ideas and knowledge, and collaborate on projects.
Okay… so what is “making”?
Adam Savage (maker and former co-host of Mythbusters) describes making as taking your point of view and using it to bring something into the world. It doesn’t matter if that thing is a chair, a novel, a quilt, a cake, or a line of computer code - it all counts as making to us if you’re putting part of yourself into it. We don’t see any reason to draw lines and exclude any kind of craft from making!
What kind of makerspace does Open Workshops operate?
While our dream is to build a space for every kind of making, cost constraints mean we started small. Our focus right now is on benchtop- and desktop-scale making, including paper and fabric crafts, 3D printing, CNC and laser cutting and engraving, electronics, woodworking, and programming, but we hope to grow to support large-scale robotics, woodworking, metalworking, and more! We also have a large classroom and lounge space, with room for 12+ class attendees and comfortable chairs for working on a laptop or reading a book.
What hours of operation does Open Workshops offer?
Our standard hours of operation are listed on the home page of our website. As a small, volunteer-run organization, the hours are subject to change - the space will often be open outside the standard hours and may occasionally be closed during standard hours. If there's a time you want to use the space but it's not open, let us know - we may be able to find a volunteer to open it for you!
What are your rules, policies, and procedures?
You can read all of our policies and procedures in our Member Handbook, availble on our public drive. A physical copy of the handbook is also available for reference in the shop. All staff, members, and guests are expected to follow the rules in the handbook. If you'd like clarification on anything in the handbook or have specific questions not covered, feel free to ask a staff member or email info@open-workshops.com!
Where is Open Workshops located?
Our address is 1532 N. Opdyke Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326. We share a building with DENNIS Uniforms, and occupy the lower level of the front suite of the building (#400).
What kind of classes does Open Workshops plan to offer?
Our plan is to offer a range of classes and workshops targeting a broad set of experience. Initially, we'll be focusing on introductory classes on broadly accessible and popular topics such as CNC, programming, and 3D printing, simply because that's where we can have the biggest impact right and broadest appeal - but the only real limitation on the kind and depth of classes we can offer is the availability of instructors and the volunteer time required to assemble a curriculum. We already have several community members with professional experience in programming, product engineering, CAD, etc. who have expressed interest in running in-depth classes or workshops on their areas of expertise.
Is Open Workshops a nonprofit?
Yes! We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of improving the accessibility of STEAM education and engagement. Every dollar of donations and fees we receive is invested back into the organization and community.
How do I donate to Open Workshops?
First of all, thanks for your interest! If you're an individual, check out the Support Us page; if you're a business or nonprofit organization, see our info on Sponsorship & Partnership.
Are donations to Open Workshops tax-deductible?
Yes! Open Workshops is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so monetary and in-kind donations to our organization are tax-deductible.
Are other payments tax-deductible?
Unfortunately, since you get something of value in return from membership fees, class tuition, etc., the IRS doesn’t consider them to be tax-deductible.