As 2022 comes to a close the Bellingham Makerspace Board and Administrative Team has been reflecting on a year of challenges, opportunities, learning, and new connections. This year has been a time of growth and change and we are moving into 2023 with a commitment to focus on sustainability and growth as we continue to create a Makerspace that is responsive to member needs.
This year saw Makerspace increase focus on administration and leadership, with the development of Administrative Volunteer members and recruiting new members for the Board of Directors. We also expanded our community partnerships and class offerings.
Our Administrative Members represent nearly all project areas and are here to provide leadership and administrative support to the organization and staff. This may mean helping with the repair and order of replacement parts for equipment, drafting policies for Board review, or fundraising in the community. Our Administrative Members may also serve on committees and support Makerspace during community events.
The Bellingham Amateur Radio Group was awarded a grant that has allowed them to expand their HAM Radio program, purchase new equipment, and increase recruit licensed members. The Radio Club at Makerspace has expanded their partnerships with the City of Bellingham Parks Department and TAGNW in 2022. These valuable community partnerships have allowed the Makerspace to be part of several Bellingham Parks Department transmitter hunt events in the community, where users of all ages and abilities can learn about short wave radios.
The Makerspace partnership with TAGNW continues to be an opportunity to connect with local students, community members, and makers who are interested in learning about or supporting STEM/STEAM education.
In November we were very excited to announce our merger with the Bellingham Metal Arts Guild. As the year comes to a close we now have a Metal Shop Supervisor, Andreas, and the BMAG has begun hosting classes at Makerspace. We look forward to securing a new and larger industrial shop space where a full metal arts shop can be set up.
Our biggest and most exciting event of the year was the 3rd annual Bellingham Makerfaire, held at Bellis Fair Mall on October 1st. With dozens of local vendors including artisans, STEM education and outreach organizations, and Presenters of all types. The 2022 Bellingham Makerfaire was an opportunity to exchange ideas, network, and buy unique items from local artists and designers.
These are just a few highlights of 2022 at Bellingham Makerspace. We are thankful for our members, volunteers, staff, and leadership teams for your support and contribution to the Makerspace community. Every one of you brings something unique to the Makerspace and we are all richer for it. Looking ahead we will be working on fundraising, building sustainability, locating an industrial shop space, and creating community-focused opportunities to learn, share skills and create.
We invite you to support our quest for a new industrial shop space. Make your tax-deductible donation HERE!
