Want a Taste of the Stew? How the Makerspace is Expanding

After living in a warm state for over a decade, one talented ceramicist decided to move to Grinnell. Why? The Stew Makerspace, of course!

Program manager Craig Gibbens says the Stew “is where creation happens.” Anyone can drop in and get their hands dirty with their choice of arts and crafts, from ceramics to vinyl painting and laser engraving to 3-D printing. Craving a taste of the Stew?

“All in all, we are a space to explore creativity. Just because you don’t know something, doesn’t mean you can’t do it!”

Like most things, the Stew Makerspace was born with an idea. Back in 2017, the downtown space was a set of flexible studios for artists; meanwhile, the Grinnell Area Arts Council housed a ceramics studio in a small basement room.

But a Grinnell College student had to wonder — how can the local arts council and the College come together to create an artistic community that infused both students and local residents?

A few years later, and the Stew is now where connections happen. For example, one local retiree is an avid woodworker and can’t help but share his passion with local College students.

“Since the Stew is open to both students and local residents,” remarks Gibbens, “we often see the passing of certain skills to a new generation.”

Under Gibbens’ direction, along with Grinnell Area Arts Council executive director Monica St. Angelo and its board of directors, the Stew Makerspace offers over 10 activities, including collaging, sewing, beading, painting, laser engraving, and more.

“We like to consider the Stew’s artistic and economic impact,” says St. Angelo. “The goal is to ensure the Stew Makerspace stays open for the community in the long-term, and part of it is expanding its offerings.”

And the cost of using the space? An affordable $40/month membership! (Psst..Grinnell College students and high schoolers can sign up for free memberships, made possible by local philanthropy!)

Now, the Stew’s goal is to not only reach Grinnellians who would utilize a membership, but also those who would enjoy the occasional art activity. “Some people simply want a meaningful time to make art with friends instead of staying at home doing art by themselves – encompassing a social element to art-making,” St. Angelo explains. Last week, the Makerspace hosted its first Sip and Paint watercolor workshop and is currently leading a series called ‘Friday Nights Out,’ where beginner and experienced artists can come together to create pottery, trinkets, and more.

Recently, the Stew Makerspace began leasing the former Grinnell-Newburg school district office space to expand its fiber arts and textiles offerings, like sewing and crocheting. Stew members can kickstart their dream project, whether that is creating T-shirts, sewing and embroidering thicker fabrics, or printing 3-D crafts! In the future, the Stew is hoping to host more workshops (like drawing and painting) and rent out some of the space for private events like birthday parties.

With a monthly membership, people can visit the Stew during open business hours and have access to all tools in the space. Plus, the staff is ready to teach new skills, whether that is laser engraving or using the ceramics wheel during mentored hours. Members receive a 10% discount on the many classes the Stew has to offer. If you are interested in purchasing a membership, visit grinnellarts.org or stop in person at 927 Broad St. For those who are excited to pass down skills to a new group of people, reach out to Gibbens at craig@grinnellarts.org to teach or lead a workshop!

Join for their free upcoming “Free Clothing Repair Workshop” on February 28 from 11 AM-2 PM — more information can be found on the Chamber website: https://www.grinnellchamber.org/.../clothing.../24098/.

Chamber Ambassadors:

• Sarah Smith — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
• Erin Bustin — Grinnell School of Music
• Dan McCue — McCue & Associates LLC - American Family Insurance
• Evan Petig — The Grinnellian
• Fran Conn
• Nicolle Donnelly — Poweshiek Insurance Agency
• Craig Gibbens — Stew Makerspace
• Donnette Ellis — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
• Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Becky Broadston — Comfort Inn & Suites
• Ryan Beckman — Beckman Gallery & Gifts
• Dedee Lehman — All In Real Estate Inc.
• Trent Arment — MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
• Desi Strayer — German Plumbing Heating and Cooling
• Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber
• Matt Moyer — Bayer Crop Science
• Jennifer McAlexander — JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security
• Donna Fischer — UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center
• Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber