New Dubuque Iowa Makerspace Plans Open House Soon!

Having recently been accepted as a member to the Board of Directors this last week I am proud to announce that the Key City Creative Center (KCCC) in Dubuque Iowa will be having an open house in the coming weeks.  The new makerspace is shaping up nicely with 28 members already and equipment to be able to make anything from  projects made of wood to 3D printed parts or laser engraved plaques.  Along with the new facility are spaces for crafts, automotive repair and fabrication, computer classes, and welding just to name a few of the amenities that are already in place for use. 

Here is the news release that I received  a couple of days ago.  It will tell you all about the coming event in more detail.  If you are anywhere near the Tri-state area (Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois) on October 14th I personally invite you to come to the free open house as we will have a lot to share and I am sure it will be a lot of fun too.  Hope to see you there!

Contact:

Tim
Hiztler | Key City Creative Center Founder

e:timhitzler@gmail.com |m:563-599-2915

New Makerspace in Dubuque to Host Public Open House Saturday October 14

DUBUQUE, Iowa, September 25, 2017-- Opening its doors to the general public for the first time, Key City Creative Center (KCCC) -- Dubuque’s new Makerspace -- will host an open house on Saturday, October 14th, from 11 am - 3 pm at their brand new workshop space located at 1781 White Street, in downtown Dubuque. Longtime Dubuque residents may recognize the location as one of the former Rafoth Sheet Metal buildings.

The open house will include Makerspace tours, membership information & sign-up, live equipment demonstrations, and hand-crafted art for sale made onsite by current members. Local non-profits that already partner with the Makerspace will also have informational booths and door prizes for visitors.

Tim Hitzler, a local social studies teacher, woodworker, and KCCC Founder, began considering the idea of opening a Makerspace back in 2015, after seeing a need in the community for functional workspace and tools. “I visited other Makerspaces and saw the power of collaboration among people of different backgrounds and skills. Some people don’t have the means or space at home to own their own machinery, so this offers people an opportunity to share tools and talents,” Hitzler said.

The Makerspace is designed to be a resource for everyone in the community, not just experienced craftspeople. Artists creatives, or just curious individuals who want to learn new skills are encouraged to check it out. Sister Margaret Mear, BVM, of Mt. Carmel in Dubuque is a current member of the Makerspace. “I joined KCCC because they could give me a place to weld and do large sculpture. It will also be a good place to connect with other artists and to learn from each other,” Mear said.

Current KCCC Board President Lyndal Anthony is excited for the public to see what the Makerspace has to offer. “I was initially recruited to set up equipment and develop a safety training program, but I saw the value of having a space and quality equipment for people to build and/or repair projects,” said Anthony. “I think this space is going to be key
in cultivating communication, education and cooperation for everyone in Dubuque.”

With an increased focus on STEM education in schools, and a growing need for more people working in the skilled trades, Makerspaces are popping up around the country as vital spaces where individuals can experiment creatively in a safe environment.

Key City Creative Center is a collaborative workspace where members can complete DIY projects, learn technical trade skills, and be part of a community that values hands-on education and craftsmanship. The $50 monthly membership fee includes 24/7 key-card access to a variety of tools and equipment, with secure private studio space available at an additional cost.

More information available at https://keycitycreativecenter.org/
and on the Facebook event page at https://goo.gl/RXUmkL