By Beth Sluys
Northside News
If you have driven past the O.M. Station property this summer, you will have noticed a long, low brick building that had scaffolding outside and a slightly off-kilter sign lying on the ground that announced “The Bodgery.” The 14,000-square-foot space is a far cry from when the founding members used to meet in public libraries to make things. This facility, the third space in the history of their creative collaborative endeavor, is their largest yet since their inception in May 2014. They discovered that creating with other “makers” enhances the experience and often inspires the creator to innovate in a way that otherwise may not have happened. Perhaps a woodworker might be inspired by a blacksmith and decide to add metal to their project, to collaborate on a project or just share their skills — a creative cross-pollination of sorts.
This shared creative space — full of equipment, tools, laser cutters, a woodshop, electronics, welding tools, blacksmithing forges, a car repair area and a crafting area — will soon open its doors to the public for crafting on Mondays (6‒8 pm) and workshop use on Fridays (7‒10 pm) for free. Just show up and a member will greet you in the newly appointed building, and the rest is up to you. Bring your idea and supplies, and a member will share the information you need to make your item. There is ready access to parking.
For creative people who have always wanted to try metal or wood laser cutting, welding, woodworking or metal working, this is your chance.
Whether you want to create in the space on occasion, rent a studio space, join with a monthly membership for longer term projects, take a class (there is a full computer-lab classroom), or just pop in for an informal knitting circle, this is the maker space for you. (As a quilter, I eyed the very large worktable that would be perfect for basting quilts.)
When you walk through the facility, the sense of camaraderie and dedication is apparent. A cadre of volunteers moved all the equipment, tools, benches and supplies on one weekend.
The Bodgery is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization. The board and members are actively engaged in decision-making and keeping the maker spaces humming, and working on their own creative projects. Communication among board members and the membership is enhanced through meetings and ongoing texting, but also within the building. Members can join an internal channel which offers direct input from other makers should a question arise about how best to do something. The feeling is that no question should go unasked, no idea left undiscovered. The invitation is “come and create with us.”
As the building undergoes its transformation from the Oscar Mayer maintenance and woodshop, it seems only fitting to repurpose the woodshop and carry on its tradition. While the term “to bodge” means “to make or repair hastily,” the workmanship taking place within the walls of Building 20 is far from that.
When asked about The Bodgery, James Pittman, a founding member, former board member and CEO, stated, “When a member first brought in the laser cutter to our facility, I tried it and loved it. I teach a class on creating with computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines, and I am the area captain for the electronics section. I hope to be offering programming for kids in the new classroom. We look forward to hosting a grand opening event in August so area residents can explore the building, meet members and see all that will be available. It is all about community.”
For more information, visit thebodgery.org or call them at 608-263-4379.