Fresno Ideaworks

Makerspace Workshop: The workshop offers members access to fully equipped areas for woodworking, metalworking, welding, glasswork, ceramics, electronics, textiles, and robotics. These facilities support the practice of both industrial and fine arts for educational programs, members, and the community. Membership numbers vary, with an average of 125 paying members at any given time. More than half of these members are veterans, seniors, and full-time students who receive significant discounts, totaling over $15,000 annually. The makerspace is entirely volunteer-operated, with over 4,460 hours contributed throughout the year, valued at more than $110,000 in donated time. Additionally, the makerspace serves as a resource for constructing custom projects that are not easily sourced from other local businesses.

Outreach - Ideaworks' outreach events in Fresno introduce the public to the maker movement, offering opportunities to create, repair items, and learn new skills. Relevant instructional and educational videos were made available on YouTube. Although focus group meetings are recorded under Education, they also serve as outreach to provide public access to skill-building and educational opportunities. Tech Tuesday is a free weekly drop-in session that connects members and the public to discuss and troubleshoot projects related to electronics, robotics, microcomputers, and other electrical skills. Additionally, Ideaworks is an "Official Fresno ArtHop Venue," participating in the monthly event where galleries and businesses in downtown Fresno open their doors on the first Thursday for art viewing, sales, demonstrations, and socializing. Ideaworks hosts "ArtHop in the Alley," which has attracted numerous visitors and artists. While the exact number of people who have benefited from these services is unknown, it is estimated to be at least 1,000.

Education: Public classes provided hands-on instruction, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to advance in hobbies or careers related to ceramics, welding, woodworking, CNC routing, programming, laser engraving/cutting, and sewing. Three weeklong Woodshop Summer Camp sessions were held for High School Students. They learned woodshop safety, and how to plan and build several projects using the saws, sanders, and even the laser engraver. Free drop-in focus nights, open to the public, were also offered both online and in person, including Metal Mondays (welding) and Tech Tuesdays (discussions on electronics, robotics, programming, microprocessors, and LED lighting projects). Several volunteer members led these classes and drop-in sessions, contributing time valued at over $8,200. A total of 364 members of the public and participants attended these classes.