WHAT WE DO at Make-It Springfield is clear—we schedule workshops, we maintain equipment and supplies, and we have free open studio hours for public access. We also partner with schools and social service agencies, and hire local artists and makers to teach programs such as in-school enrichment, or marketable creative skills like sewing to recent refugees. In the summers we run teen programs, inclusive of adult mentors and transportation options for those who need it.
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
–> Match TSM Design’s generosity! READ MORE about why they chose to direct a $2500 donation to Make-It’s special sewing program for low-income women new to Springfield.
–> Visit our Amazon Wish List to help replenish supplies or add to our Supply Fund.
–> Send any amount directly through our Venmo link.
–> Visit us at 286 Bridge Street to drop some dollars in our Donation Box.
–> Send a check payable to Make-It Springfield, to 286 Bridge St., Springfield, MA, 01103.
But OUR IMPACT can sometimes feel beyond definition. Here’s some stories that illustrate the curiosity, possibility, inspiration, encouragement, welcoming and inspiration that we experience every day. To learn more read our maker profiles.
CURIOSITY
A local machinist with an art degree got up the courage to attend our collage workshop after decades away from art-making. He made a collage but he also connected deeply with the instructor and received encouragement for reigniting his creative passion.
POSSIBILITY
A teenager with little support at home told us about her dream to be a fashion designer. She received a sewing machine lesson from a staff person right then and there! Now, she participates in Make-It fashion shows and shares skills with others. She found a creative home with caring, adult mentors and social support.
INSPIRATION
In 2021, a middle school student took a virtual Robotics class with us. In 2024, now in high school, he wrote to us with a desire to give back to the community and lead his own class. We helped him coordinate it and this past summer he guided a full class of teens and parent/child pairs through the process of building robots!
ENCOURAGEMENT
A Make-It staff person had a dream to offer wellness programming and conceived of a BIPOC Rest Group. The program incorporates inspired readings, meditative drumming and daydreaming and has been overwhelmingly successful! The upcoming third series focuses on the “teachings of horses.”
WELCOMING
Years ago, we noticed a number of older men stopping by. We decided to try promoting a “Social Circle for Creative Men 55+” and it worked! The club still meets twice a month, and with its consistently welcoming vibe (and coffee and donuts) it has inspired deep connections and supportive friendships over the years.
ACCEPTANCE
It is common for someone to come in just to sit quietly, to journal for insight or check their emails. They might want to talk about their dreams, their troubles or nothing at all. At Make-It, they feel safe, unjudged, and encouraged to create in any form, or to explore ideas. It’s about well-being.
So, yes—we serve the creative needs of our community but the rest of what we do, OUR IMPACT, is what we really want to convey to you. Underneath the layers of WHAT WE DO, we are listening and responding to our makers’, builders’ and dreamers’ stories and watching their light shine in their biggest and smallest moments.
We invite you to partner with us in our mission and our vision by choosing to give at any level that inspires you. Your gift helps ensure that Make-It Springfield can continue to support the creative well-being of whoever walks in our door.
