MAKER/MENTOR MEMBERSHIP
Maker/Mentor membership offers access to our ceramics studio and woodworking and metal shops. Access is granted to qualified users who are able to demonstrate safe operation of our equipment and safe use of our space. And it takes a little time.
WHAT IS A MAKER?
Being a maker at AVA means you're curious about materials, tools, and process.
MAKER MEMBERSHIP
Maker membership is a balance between your urge to create and shared responsibilities.
OUR SHOPS
We offer affordable monthly access to a ceramics studio and wood and metal shops.
Maker/Mentor Membership Provides
Remarkable Access with Real
Responsibilities
Shared community workspaces are special—they balance the individual urge to make with shared responsibilities to fellow makers and to the organization as whole.
These responsibilities look a little different from shop to shop, and there are some high level standards for use shared throughout the facility. In general, as a Maker/Mentor you should be prepared to:
- Follow instructions provided by staff and volunteers
- Negotiate equipment use gracefully with fellow users
- Leave your workspace space as clean as you found it
- Return tools to the location where you found them
- Observe and adhere to our hours of operation
- Bring your work materials in and out with you
- Note that our Ceramics Studio is currently full. Join the waitlist here.
Sound like a good fit? Keep reading.
How to Be a Maker/Mentor
01
Sign up
Our conversation begins with your commitment to making at AVA.
Joining as a Maker/Mentor takes time. Prepare for your first month to involve an orientation and a tool test. Depending on which shop you want to use—ceramics, wood, metal or any combination of them—your onboarding can take one, two, maybe three weeks. If your project is urgent, we'll try our best to meet your needs. Still, urgency isn't always a great fit. Note that our Ceramics Studio is currently full. Join the waitlist here.
02
Orientation
Each shop is different and we want to tell you all about them.
The Sculptural Studies Building is comprised of three shops—ceramics, wood, and metal—that have distinct communities, workflows, and safety considerations. We want to ensure that you have a good understanding of each shop before you dive in. Topics covered in orientation include hours of operation, proper shop attire, personal protective equipment, first aid, air handling and cleaning equipment, and the general care and upkeep of shared spaces.
03
Equipment Testing
Members must pass a safe operation equipment test, no exceptions.
Every new member must demonstrate knowledge of basic shop safety and operation of AVA's equipment. You don't have to show us your talent or make anything complicated. Just demonstrate good working knowledge of the equipment (waste collection and ventilation, power, turn and feed direction, changeovers, clean up — that kind of thing). Plan on a basic test to take about an hour of your time; it may take up to two weeks to schedule a test depending on staff availability.
04
Volunteer
Shop Stewards and Leads help maintain the shops and guide members.
As community workshops, each shop in the Sculptural Studies Building — ceramics, wood, and metal — is sustained by the heart and soul, the care and stewardship of our volunteers. These members enjoy a 50 percent discount on annual membership while helping to ensure our shops are clean and well organized, and there is always a helpful person to answer questions and get your started.
What's In Our Shops
The Sculptural Studies Studio may be accessed from 9AM to 9PM, Monday through Sunday. As a neighbor and a community member, we ask that all members respect these hours of operation.
Ceramics Studio
A 1,000 sf. space divided between a hand building studio and a throwing studio, our Ceramics Studio is home to:
- Seven throwing wheels
- A glazing station
- Two kilns
- Slab roller
- Work tables
Note that members are required to:
- Purchase clay from AVA
- Only use studio-approved glazes
- Allow 24-72 hours for kiln loading and firing
- The ceramics studio is currently full. Join the waitlist here
Wood Shop
A compact workspace of 800 sf. our Wood Shop can get a lot done. Equipment includes:
- 12" Jointer
- 20" Planer
- SawStop industrial table saw
- 2 bandsaws
- Miter saw
- 3 lathes
Note that members are required to:
- Pass a safe operation test
- Use only clean, kiln dried woods
- Bring your projects materials in and out
Metal Shop
Our 800 sf. metal shop is a versatile space for small and medium-sized projects. Equipment includes:
- 4 TIG welding bays
- 3 propane forges
- 1 hand-held plasma cutter
- 1 braising station
- Anvils, welding tables, and cold tools
Note that members are required to:
- Pass a safe operation test
- Bring your own PPE
- Use only mild/low carbon steel
