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The Stew Makerspace is a non-profit collaboration between the Grinnell Area Arts Council and the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership at Grinnell College. Located at 927 Broad Street in downtown Grinnell, Iowa, the Stew contains over 8,000 square feet of studios and creative work spaces. We also have a store where we sell art made by our members and staff.

Anyone can sign up for classes and workshops offered at the Stew, or pay the “drop-in” rate for limited access to the Craft & Paint or Tech/Style studios. Members may obtain full access to the program, including the Pottery and Woodworking studios. During open hours the Stew is staffed by a combination of GAAC employees and Grinnell College student monitors, who can provide safety training, instruction, and project ideas. A monthly membership to the Stew includes:

Access to the building during posted open hours.
Project assistance and training from on-duty staff.
Access to our “Mentored Hours”, which are scheduled times when any member can drop in to receive instruction in the listed studio (pottery, woodworking, etc.). Check our online calendar for current times (mentored hours are only available when Grinnell College in in session).
Discounts on classes and workshops.
Basic material use; your monthly fee covers low-cost materials and consumables “within reason”.
Subsidized or at-cost pricing for more expensive materials like clay, glaze, filament, vinyl, etc.

Once a member has worked with us and demonstrated understanding of our building and safety policies, they may seek permission to upgrade to “unlimited” access and use the building outside of open hours. Questions? Email Program Manager Craig Gibbens at craig@grinnellarts.org

Please note: Because of the complexity and risk associated with our program, the Stew is intended for people aged 13 and up. The Craft & Paint Studio has some activities appropriate for people under 13 who are accompanied by their parent or guardian. Members can seek permission to bring their children with them into studios on a per-studio basis.

For other art and creative opportunities for people under 13, please check out Studio 6 and other Youth Arts Education classes and workshops.

Stew Makerspace Membership Rates:

Single Visit Pass (“Drop-In”): $10 per person, up to two hours - The Stew offers a variety of drop-in projects, depending on staff availability. Projects are restricted to the Craft & Paint or Tech/Style studios. People under 13 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Standard Membership: $40/month (beginning July 1, 2026: $45) - Use the Stew when it is open and staff are present.
Unlimited Membership: $60/month (beginning July 1, 2026: $65) - Use approved studios even when the Stew is closed and staff are not present. Must be 18+. Unlimited access is contingent on approval from Stew staff - start with a standard membership first, and contact Craig with questions.
Supporting Membership: $85/month (beginning July 1, 2026) - Pay it forward! This membership is an Unlimited membership that helps us keep the Stew afloat. Membership and class fees do not cover operating expenses; we rely on donors. If you love the Stew, please consider investing to keep it available for all!
Currently enrolled Grinnell College students: FREE standard membership courtesy of the Wilson Center.

Discounts: One-month free if paying on a quarterly basis; two months free if paying annually.

The Arts Council’s 2020 renovation of the Stew was supported by a grant to Grinnell College from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in addition to the Wilson Center and generous local donors to the Arts Council.

Check the Stew calendar for hours.
Questions? Contact info@grinnellarts.org or call 236-3203.

Thanks to the following organizations for their support of the Stew!

STEW MAKERSPACE