We are
The Making Place
Your local makerspace
A makerspace is a place in which people can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge.
We want to become a community hub that brings people together because we see a need in the Valley for more positive social spaces that do not revolve around alcohol or consumption but instead around sharing and learning.
The Making Place first began as a project in October of 2023 with a public interest survey gauging demand for a community makerspace. The results indicated a desire for three main services: workshops & classes, a tool library, and a communal workspace.
What is a makerspace and why did we start one?
We want to make it easier for people to create. We want to provide a "third space" in our community where people can connect and hangout. Our longterm vision is for The Making Place to grow into a large workshop that meets the wants and needs of our community.
For artists The Making Place could be a space to practice your craft, teach workshops and classes, share work with the community, or check out a tool.
For community members The Making Place could be a space to learn new skills, shop for local art, access resources, or attend events.
We exist to provide creative space and resources for our community to make, share & learn together. We want to empower a community driven art scene & enable the local making culture to flourish.
Support
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We serve people that want to make things
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We put the best interest of our artists and makers first
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We seek to grow and evolve our services with community feedback
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We create an inspiring and creative place
Include
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Walk in and be welcome
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We welcome and take care of new people
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A community space that brings people together
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We prioritize accessibility
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We are open minded and always listen to new ideas
Share
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We work better together
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We collaborate and cooperate in building our space
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We respect and care for each other and the space
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We share the responsibility to build and maintain the space
Sustain
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We learn and share knowledge
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We are financially responsible
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We prioritize safety
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We limit the harm done to our natural environment
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We give back to our community
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Events, Workshops & Classes
From hide tanning to letterpress printing, our workshops & classes span many disciplines; highlighting the range of skills in our local creative community.
Our community social events bring people together around the act of creativity.
Tool Library
A tool library is like a regular library- instead of books, members can borrow tools to support their projects.
Our tool library consists mostly of hand and power tools for fabrication projects. We also have a few "kids kits," boxes of crafting supplies for young people.
Creative Resources
Our open source online resources aim to connect the creative community in The Flathead.
Communal Workspace
Members can use our large tables and stationary tools in good natural light to work on their projects.
We offer daytime and 24hr access to our workspace.
205+
HOURS OF FREE PROGRAMMING
Provided by The Making Place in Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Kalispell.
1 1/2
Years in the making
From public interest survey to satelite events to a space we call our own.
1,000+
People in our network
Connected to our creative programming, opportunities and resources.
"Thanks for this vision and space where i can find 'my people' and feel seen and valued. It's tremendous!" - Audrey, Making Place Member
Our Team
The Making Place is organized and run by a group of volunteers- working board members and enthusiastic participants. We are artists, makers and professionals collaborating to create a makerspace for our community. Check us out below and come say hey at one of our events!
Interested in getting involved?
Amy Gwartney
Event Coordinator, helps The Making Place with programming and marketing.
Professionally, she owns Earthen Rituals Bodywork, does freelance web design, marketing and runs an Airbnb on their property.
For fun, she works with natural dyes, gardens, cooks and enjoys projects on the homestead with her husband, Cooper, and their two sweet dogs.
Brooke Myhre
Helps The Making Place with programming.
Professionally, Brooke is a jack of all trades- working at Sisters Bloom animation studio, running her own small produce farm, and volunteering all over The Valley supporting community and circular economies.
Ellen Mering
Treasurer, helps The Making Place with programming and finance.
Professionally, Ellen owns a small Farm called 345 Farm that grows produce and flowers for local farmers markets. She also works part time in development for DREAM Adaptive Recreation.
For fun she enjoys spending time outside with her husband Andrew and dogs Sage and Pinto. Ellen also enjoys painting, drawing and building bouquets with her home grown flowers.
Jess Garby
Volunteer Coordinator, helps The Making Place with programming.
Professionally, Jess is the Education Coordinator for the Flathead Audubon Society, where she shares her love of birds and conservation with the community. Her passion for bringing creative people together and helping them find the resources they need is what drew her to TMP.
For fun, she loves to read cozy fantasies, bike around Creston, and hang out with her dog, Mica.
Justin Barry
President, helps The Making Place with administration and strategic growth.
Professionally, Justin is a designer and entrepreneur. In 2021 he started his upcycling business, FDES : functional design, where he finds creative ways to rethink textile waste into useful products. He sews, screenprints and operates FDES from one of TMP’s Private Studios.
For fun he enjoys adventures on his bicycle, time with friends and living in the moment.
Kay Lyle
Secretary, helps The Making Place with programming.
Professionally, Kay is the owner of Manicule Studio, a freelance graphic and web design business. When not behind the computer, Kay loves to practice and share the joy of letterpress printing as a tool for community connection.
For fun, Kay has been exploring the Flathead Valley through hiking, paddling, foraging, and soon cross country skiing.
Marijke Stob
Helps The Making Place with programming and maintenance.
Professionally, Marijke is a small business owner. In 2023, she officially opened the doors to superbloom gear repair, which offers sewing and mending services for gear, outwear, and general apparel.
For fun she loves hanging out with her cute dog Rue, reading, running, hiking and cooking.
Sienna Broglie
Vice President, helps The Making Place with programming and marketing.
Professionally, Sienna is a deckhand- traveling anywhere from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans for work. Having attended college for fine art, building a makerspace is one of her lifetime goals.
For fun she loves hiking, skiing, painting and printmaking.
Sky Burley
Helps The Making Place with programming.
Professionally, Sky is semi-retired after a 21 year career as an aircraft mechanic in the United States Coast Guard. His passion for the arts and community drew him to TMP.
For fun he loves hiking, pack rafting, photography and music.
Tricia Hinchey
Helps The Making Place with programming and budgeting.
Professionally, Tricia is a small business owner. Her gardening business, Garden Girl Gardens, offers design installation and maintenance.
For fun she likes to Get outside with her dog Otis, forage mushrooms and berries, craft by a fire and spend time on the river.
Join our team of organizers!
Attend one of our committee meetings where we discuss, plan and organize the work that goes into The Making Place.
We are a group of community volunteers making it happen, you could join in the fun! Interested in helping out? Volunteering your skills? Joining our board?
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Sponsored By
Signature Sponsor
Creativity for Kids Sponsor
Creativity for Kids Sponsor
Creativity for Kids Sponsor
Creativity for Kids Sponsor
Art for All Sponsor
Art for All Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
Toolbox Sponsor
