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The Stew Makerspace is a collaboration between the Grinnell Area Arts Council and the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership at Grinnell College. Located at 927 Broad Street, the Stew houses studios for ceramics (pottery), woodworking, 3D printing, metal working, laser engraving, crafting, sewing, and much more.

The Stew is a community workshop and operates similar to a gym, except with crafting and tools instead of exercise equipment. 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 run by student monitors 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, lumber, vinyl, etc.

Members who have demonstrated skill and understanding of Stew use and safety policies may seek permission to upgrade their access to “unlimited”, allowing them to use the building outside of posted open hours. Questions? Email Craig Gibbens at craig@grinnellarts.org

Please note: Because of the complexity and risk associated with most of our studios, the Stew is largely intended for humans aged 14 and up. The Craft studio has activities and drop-in projects appropriate for humans under 14 who are accompanied by their parent or guardian. Stew Members can also obtain permission to bring their children with them into other studios on a per-studio basis.

For other art and creative opportunities for humans under 14, please check out Studio 6.

Stew Makerspace Membership Rates:

• Single Visit Pass (New!): $10 per person, up to two hours. Allows use of the Craft studio for a wide variety of drop-in projects, plus some projects in other studios depending on staff availability. Children under 14 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.

• Standard Membership: $40/month, can use the Stew when it is open and staff are present. Must be 18+.

• Unlimited Membership: $60/month, can 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 pass first, and contact Craig with questions.

• Current Grinnell College students: FREE standard membership courtesy of the Wilson Center.

• Grinnell High School students: FREE standard membership courtesy of GAAC donors. Woodshop and metal shop access require parental supervision if the student is under the age of 18.

The Arts Council’s 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!