I spent a bit of time looking at what all we have & need in that room. I’ve even spent more time planning how we can really build up and suit the needs of the space…but that will come in time.
Walking knee-deep in random mysterious crusty bits I was able to reach over and create a lack-luster no-frills inventory: Arts Inventory (sorta kinda)
Y’all with your logic and planning abilities are free to mock my inventory abilities. I’m sure I need to add more but that will come (sewing machines, computers…hairballs)
I’m not sure how to really deal with consumable materials here at makerspace. @Lampy I was wondering if we could possibly have a chat about how you guys make it work.
The large cutting mat is not really useful for cutting since it does no lay flat. Probably the result of using it for and ironing surface. I would like a new large cutting mat, and some long metal rulers, such as 18in , 24in, and 36in for cutting.
We do have two 50" metal cutting guides that connect together to form a
100" cutting guide. It’s awesome and located near the closed door by the
drafting table.
When listed out all official like, it looks like we have a lot of stuff. But, would you call most of the items we have as useful, or more like left overs? Just want to give some context to the list of more than 200 items.
Thanks for taking the time to go through all of this, I bet you are the first member to inventory the arts room at this level.
@Nick Yes. We have plenty of items…most of which are kind donations from individuals but we need to look at how we can outfit the room to be a truly functioning multi-purpose space for quite a few “disciplines”. The challenge of the arts (from what I can tell) is unlike any in this space - not something that is unsolvable -but still a challenge.
The arts inventory needs a major overhaul. I don’t believe it quite caters to the needs of our members - that being said, I’m coming up with a list and evaluating how we can work the details of how we manage items.
Ordering and maintaining supplies is not a new concept to me but managing how we have an ongoing payment system based on consumables/supply teachers with class sets of supplies/flexible outcomes with media is a bit of a different type of challenge. Totally doable but just a different cookie to cut.
I understand that as well…no one supplies the consumable supplies for the area that they are in. However, almost everything inside of creative arts falls under the world of consumables. Especially when considering teachers teaching classes where quantities of supplies are needed.
I teach a small just for fun glass class. I’m only able to do so because it’s leftovers from my own supply of glass, a grant from school and me borrowing the tools from school (and replacing them dont worry). The average teacher wouldn’t have the $900 worth of supplies for a simple glass class nor would they really be all that interested in investing to teach a small class.
I’m thinking about the option of media based “kits” I want to learn watercolor…ok here is a kit for $xx and in it has everything you might need. The teacher would sell the kits and supply the basics.
A suggest donation fee for the consumables is an option but prices would be all over the place/confusing/not respected.
The vending machine seems like a golden egg for a solution for more expensive items.
I’ve seen an art work space (down in austin) that supplies EVERYTHING you might need for $20 an hour. Acrylic paints, , screen printing supplies…etc.
If you were to ask me right this second why I’m going up to makerspace to work on “traditional” art and I would have to answer you honestly that I wouldn’t. I believe this can change. I’m not saying we need everything but we need quite a bit. With that comes the vision of what the creative arts space can/should be for members.
Am I barking up the wrong tree? Anyone??? Remember I’m new here so you guys know WAY more.
Your right, I had not considered that whereas most of the space needed/used tools. Creative arts is more about availability of materials.
I would come up with a set of needs and prioritize the list based on materials used for classes. Make sure to include enough quantities to have leftover amounts for use by those with the new skills.
Translate that into a budget and get it in front of the Board of Directors. They are happy to fund most anything as long as it promotes classes/education. Even better if it has greater appeal beyond creative arts.
I agree with Ken,
In the past, asking DMS to buy consumables was a no win process. But, with the growth of our space the idea of consumables purchased by DMS is starting to float around. I echo Ken put your budget behind classes instead of the room. That way you are less likely to be stranded with supplies that no one is willing to train on, or think are inferior as many artist have varying opinions. Plus with members trained on the consumables they are more likely to use them. But, this is only a suggestion to get started, not a plan for the long hall.
We do have two 50" metal cutting guides that connect together to form a
100" cutting guide. It’s awesome and located near the closed door by the
drafting table.
Regarding ‘general use’ type of consumables, such as: Glue and other common adhesives, Labels for the label maker, common fasteners (very common sized snaps, pins, elastic, velcro, etc…), markers, poster paint, and other common general use stuff, I would suggest requesting a recurring monthly allocation from the board - since everyone is welcome to come into the room to use things like that… (making note that individuals should not expect or plan on using any of the consumables in this group as core materials for projects they plan on making money on… but rather, to have available for those moments you realize you need a dab of glue, an extra snap or two that you didn’t expect to need, a bit of velcro to help tack something in place that isn’t cooperating as planned, etc… ). General Rule: Be Excellent! (don’t make a profit off of the general use material… )
Regarding ‘kits’… I’m not sure there is room available to store kits anyway; but, in my mind “kits” would be better offered in conjunction with a specific class, and added on the the price of the class as a materials fee (even ‘free’ to attend classes can offer materials/kits for an additional materials fee…). Other than lack of space at The 'Space, the other reason I would hesitate to have premade ‘kits’ would be the difficulty in trying to determine ahead of time what types of kits members would actually be willing to spend money on… the balance of ‘convenience’ vs “I can get it a LOT cheaper if i just drive down the street to xyz store and pick it up myself” may be difficult to judge accurately in our environment.
Kids’ Art Supplies… PLEASE don’t toss it! Not unless you plan on replacing it with more durable supplies for our lil Future Makers!!! I know that ‘most’ of the things that go on at the 'Space are geared toward adults, and I’m OK with that… However, going to the 'Space is one of the things my grandkids look forward to doing with me - pretty much more than most anything else I suggest… they absolutely LOVE coming to the 'Space! I only bring them once every few weeks; and, when I do bring them, the time there is all about THEM! It’s genuine QUALITY Time and I would hate to lose that… the “Kids Art Supplies” only take up one tiny lil bin… I hope you consider keeping and/or improving what little supplies we have for them…
I’m (or creative arts) is not looking to make a profit from makerspace - - I’m just looking for ways to sustain and improve upon the items we can offer makers - both in classes and when people need “things”. Apparently the allocation just makes it a bit above what we (Creative Arts) pay for our software suite monthly fee. Thus, our only income comes in with class honorariums that are given back to the committee. While I’m thankful for all the classes that are being taught (and I seriously am) it’s hard to sustain something on the backs of others. So funds will be discussed at the next board meeting to see how we can better resolve that issue. Obviously, the current plan needs to be looked at and assessed for long term sustainability and even (gasp) growth.
Example - I’m going to teach an acrylics class this summer (possibly a series). The space has donated stretcher bars, I’m going to ask for funding for canvas, brushes, palettes, acrylic paint, from the board to get us started off (approx cost per person would be about $15 worth of shared supplies).
I (the teacher) will charge $7-10 more each supply fee to eventually buy more acrylic paint and supply what is used up for the class…correct? Well, what if I only teach one class? And what happens when we run out of donated stretcher bars? And how much do we charge the guy who got excited about acrylic painting and is starting to paint canvases from what is provided? I don’t think the space would be welcoming if everything had a suggested donation price tag. I’m probably overthinking/under thinking this but it’s an issue that only a committee like this might encounter with everything getting used up. If I get it wrong the arts starve - that’s why I’m all fussy about this.
@LisaSelk I didn’t mean to frighten you about the kids supplies. I’m all for it. But I think we can do a better job. Crayons are awesome- dont get me wrong -but if we really want to make little makers we need to set fire to the coloring books and invest in some really innovative (and inexpensive) items to get them going. I want my son to love to come to makerspace as well. I will make it a special project just so the littles can really stretch and learn a bit of STEAM (gasp not STEM) while they are within the walls. I would even be willing (but I need to look at my insane summer schedule) to teach a mini summer camp for our little ones. My life is about art education (oh so dramatic I am)- I won’t sell your kids down the river - I will teach them how they can come up with a better raft. (ps points to you for actually reading the whole thing!)
Seriously I think this rant seems like a nearly 1am tizzy fit. I swear I’m relaxed as I write this.
Re Kids Arts supplies… I don’t have a strong opinion on the color books… personally, I prefer giving kids a blank “canvas” (piece of paper, cloth, area of sidewalk, beach full of sand, etc…). I would like to have at least some crayons, chaulk, water based paint, clay, etc… for our young and upcoming makers! The reason for my concern is not only the comment on the spreadsheet, but also the fact that when I joined the 'Space there were a LOT more supplies for the kiddos… an entire set of drawers and then some! Now? We are down to just one small bin of random stuff…
If we want this to be a unique place for everyone we need to provide unique opportunities right? You don’t drag yourself up here because they have a lighter…you get to use a torch. I believe (personally) we need to apply this philosophy even with the littles when thinking about weaving the axons and dendrites a bit.
I like the fun things.
I’m on it.
I’m also currently steaming my face…pour sizes you know.
). General Rule: Be Excellent! (don’t make a profit off of the general use material… 
