What is a Makerspace?
The word Makerspace isn't commonly used in everyday conversation (unless you are a member of one), so it's perfectly normal to have no idea what we are, who we are and what we offer!
| mak·er·space - noun a place in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. An even better way to think of a makerspace is like a gym! You pay a monthly membership to use the equipment that is either too expensive to buy out right, or you dont have room for in your home. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you have to be a member to use the equipment? A: So this is one of those Yes and No answers. Yes, you can take classes to be certified to use our equipment, however not being a member means it will be harder to get access to said equipment AND more expensive to use the hourly machines like a laser cutter. If you'd like to read more about becoming a member and how access to the buildings work, check out our Join Us pages. Q: What is that Stop Light in the window at your Leesburg location? A: That if a nifty way of letting the public know when they can come in to take a look! Though, the best time to visit either location is during our Open House nights when you are guaranteed to get the best tour guides we have. Purcellville has open houses on Tuesday nights and Leesburg is on Thursdays nights. Q: What if I just want to be a member for the summer? A: Signing up for a membership doesn't mean you have to agree to a full year or anything. You do need to have a credit card on file, but can cancel and rejoin at any time. We have a handful of teachers and college students who only pay for the months they are free, like in the summer. Just let the membership coordinator, info@makersmiths.org, know after you join so we can make the whole experience easier for everyone. Q: Are you associated with a company, or are you a franchise? A: Nope! We are a completely independent non-profit makerspace started by a bunch of makers who were just really good at fundraising and implementing ideas! Build from the ground up in the most DIY way possible. However, we are always up for corporate sponsorship or members! Email info@makersmiths.org to get more information. Q: How many members do you currently have? A: Well, just like a gym, some people don't stick around due to no time or they move, so our numbers are constantly changing. However, we are currently over 300 members and climbing.
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| Q: Wait, you have two locations? As a member, do I get access to just one or both? A: Yep! We have TWO locations! One in Leesburg VA, and a second location in Purcellville VA. As a member, you get access to both! They are both Makersmiths, we just needed more space for all of our large equipment and even larger ideas. Q: Do you have virtual tours of your spaces? A: We do! You can find them on our YouTube channel as well as a bunch of other videos made by our members! |
