MakerSphere Wood Shop at a Crossroads: Community support needed
May 20, 2025 | By MK MonleyMakerSphere, Waterbury’s non-profit art and maker organization, is calling on the community to help preserve one of its most promising and impactful initiatives: the MakerSphere Wood Shop.
Kids working in MakerSphere’s Wood Shop in 2024. Photo by Gordon Miller
A fundraising goal of $56,000 has been set for June 15 to ensure this vibrant, creative hub can continue offering woodworking classes, community workshops, and hands-on learning experiences for another year.
Kids learn skills in the MakerSphere Wood Shop that are not taught in local schools anymore. Photo by Gordon Miller
Launched in the summer of 2023 in response to strong community interest, the Wood Shop represents a bold expansion of MakerSphere’s mission to nurture creativity and skill-building for all ages. Located in a fully outfitted 2,500 square-foot space just outside Waterbury on U.S. Rt. 2 in Moretown, the Wood Shop has offered classes in woodworking, furniture refinishing, carving, leatherwork, and more.
The response from participants has been enthusiastic. “I’ve gained skills and confidence in using tools I never thought I’d touch,” said one Wood Shop member. “The instructors are knowledgeable and welcoming—it’s an incredible place to learn and create.”
But despite positive feedback, participation levels have not reached the threshold needed to sustain operations. While other MakerSphere programs—such as its clay and stained-glass studios, after-school camps, and the much-loved River of Light Parade—continue to thrive, they’ve also been shouldering the financial burden of supporting the Wood Shop.
“We knew expanding would come with challenges,” said MakerSphere board member Dana Hudson. “We did the research, built a solid plan, and invested over $100,000 along with countless volunteer hours to bring this space to life. Now, we’re asking the community: Will you come, and will you help keep this going?”
Economic uncertainty has had a statewide impact on arts organizations, with fewer class registrations and tighter household budgets being reported to the Vermont Creative Network. MakerSphere is feeling that impact, too.
We believe deeply in the value of creative expression, but it’s not a luxury—it’s a cornerstone of individual and community well-being. If we want spaces where people can make, build, and connect, we must support them.
The MarkerSphere board remains hopeful that with community backing—through donations, memberships, and spreading the word—the Wood Shop can not only survive, but thrive.
Photo by Gordon Miller
How you can help
MakerSphere needs to raise $56,000 by June 15 to keep the Wood Shop open through the coming year. Every contribution counts. Large donations, new memberships, and increased workshop enrollment will all play a significant role.
Details on how to make a tax-deductible donation online or by check are online at makerspherevt.com/support. For more information or to get involved, contact MakerSphere at makerspherevt@gmail.com.
Let’s keep this space alive—for creativity, for community, and for the future.
MakerSphere offers classes for kids and adults. Photo by Gordon Miller
MakerSphere is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Waterbury, Vermont, and surrounding communities. It offers classes and workshops for all ages in art, handicrafts, and trade skills and is dedicated to fostering creativity by providing educational opportunities and workspace for all ages.
MK Monley is chair of the MakerSphere Board of Directors.