On Friday, December 9, from 5:30-8pm, The Foundry will be hosting Toolfest. Toolfest is a way to supply artisans at the shared makerspaces* with the tools that they need to get the job done. The shared makerspace concept is similar to a thriving beehive, with worker bees all contributing to maintaining the hive. Each one of the artisans within the space has a role in building, developing and teaching. This tool drive will allow these artisans to roll out additional educational programming.
The Foundry, located on Northampton Street, is home to three operating makerspaces (a woodshop, tech lab and textile studio) and is looking to open a metalshop and screenprinting studio in 2017.
“Providing affordable tool access is critical for entrepreneurs that lack start-up capital because it allows them to share tools and knowledge while growing their client base in a supportive network,” said Megan McNally, Executive Director of The Foundry. “The hands-on skills we teach in our makerspaces are equally critical for young people because it allows them to explore different career options, develop valuable skills such as creative problem solving, and it gives them the opportunity to discover what they like to do.”
“The Foundry’s shared textile space has allowed me the opportunity to teach, share tools and meet new customers for my upholstery business,” said Sarah Campbell, Foundry member and owner of SitBuffalo. “The Foundry’s makerspaces offer a unique setting to work alongside other skilled professionals and further develop my craft.”
ToolFest
Tool drive and end of year celebration on Friday, December 9, 2016 | 5:30-8pm.
*These makerspaces currently occupy 2,500 sq ft within The Foundry’s building and provide affordable tool access to budding entrepreneurs as well as both youth and adults learning hands-on skills. Through their education program, The Foundry’s makerspaces see hundreds of students every year.
Event tickets are $10 or free with a tool donation and includes food, cash bar and opportunities to win items made in The Foundry’s makerspaces. The Foundry is looking for hand tools, power tools and safety gear as well as company sponsors for acquiring larger equipment. For a list of needed tools and to find out more about the event, please visit thefoundrybuffalo.org/toolfest.
Lead image: Sean Norfolk, building an Adirondack Chair in The Foundry’s shared woodshop