A message from one of Make-It Springfield’s founders

I remember installing the initial Make-It Springfield window display on Worthington Street in the summer of 2016. Our goal was to create a vibrant welcoming storefront, a sign of vitality in what had been a row of vacant spaces. Laura Masulis (Co-Founder) and I purchased a half-dozen inexpensive paper lanterns, hung them behind the glass, and kept them lighted 24/7. We held our first “pop-up” maker workshop soon after.

During the first week we were open, I saw a young woman with two children looking in the window. I walked outside and encouraged them to come in. They were surprised that there was no charge to use our art supplies and maker tools. The family stayed to make paintings for several hours.

These early experiences stick with me, especially as we get ready to move into a new and much larger space in January 2023. A main reason we chose our new location (inside a beautiful historic building on Bridge Street) is because we want to make sure we stay downtown. We’re designing a space that is highly visible and accessible to our community. And just as we did in the beginning, we’re building a space where everyone feels welcome to come in, to create and learn. READ MORE ABOUT OUR HISTORY