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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 spaces for ceramics (pottery), woodworking, 3D printing, metal working, laser engraving, crafting, sewing, and much more.

The Stew is a community workshop and is similar to a gym, except with 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

• Help 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 more in-depth instruction in the listed studio (pottery, woodworking, tech, etc.). Check our online calendar! (mentored hours are only available when Grinnell College in in session)

• Discounts on classes and workshops

• Incidental material use; your monthly fee covers simple material and consumable use, “within reason”

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

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 advanced projects depending on staff availability.

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

• Unlimited Membership: $60/month, can use approved studios even when the Stew is closed and staff are not present. 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 Arts Council donors (woodshop and metal shop use require parental supervision if the student is under the age of 18)

• Children under the age of 14 may use the Stew at no charge when accompanied by by a parent/guardian who is paying for a standard or unlimited membership.

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

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