With the grand opening of the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL right around the corner, ArtsQuest announces the first round of Air Products MakerSpace workshops and classes, introducing a new creative concept for the organization and a new way for the community to experience hands-on artmaking at ArtsQuest.

The Air Products MakerSpace represents an exciting expansion of ArtsQuest’s mission to make the arts accessible, participatory and rooted in community. This new space inside the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL will give artists, hobbyists, students, families and curious beginners the opportunity to move beyond observing art and into the process of making it.

The Air Products MakerSpace is designed for woodworkers, metal artists, digital fabricators and anyone eager to explore new tools and techniques in a collaborative, approachable environment. The space brings makers together to learn, build and create through hands-on instruction, supervised studio access and community-driven projects, positioning ArtsQuest as a new destination for creative exploration, skill-building and innovation. At the MakerSpace, participants will find:

• Workshops and classes: Learn from professional teaching artists in sessions covering everything from computer numerical control basics and metal sculpture to traditional joinery and tool safety.

• Digital and analog tools: Supervised access to equipment that supports work in wood, metal, mixed media and digital fabrication — with new capabilities added regularly.

• STEAM Programs for all ages: Maker experiences that combine art, science and technology for kids, teens and families.

• Open Studio Hours: Bring your own project and work independently alongside a community of makers.

Festival and Exhibit-Linked Labs: Participate in community builds, large-scale collaborations and artist-led fabrication as part of ArtsQuest’s major events.

The first round of MakerSpace workshops and classes will be taught by Joe Capparell beginning Nov. 5, and will include: Intro to Woodworking, Making a Cutting Board, Making a Resin Charcuterie Board, Making an Advanced Edge Grain Chop Block. Registration information and additional MakerSpace programming details will be available at artsquest.org.