For artists and creators like Pamela Rojas, Kitchener's Kwartzlab is a "gem inside the city." The 9,000 square foot space is a dream for makers of all sorts who don't have the room in their own houses for large, heavy machinery like mills, lathes, looms and more. For $62 a month, members have 24/7 unlimited access to all that the Kwartzlab has to offer.
The not-for-profit maker society boasts a metal shop, wood shop, textiles area, electronics area, laser cutting and a "which" craft lab that houses 3D printers, a clicker press and much more. The Kwartzlab started 15 years ago with around 15 to 20 members. Today, it has about 180 members.
Run by a board of seven members President Konstantin Papadakis says joining the Kwartzlab is similar to a gym membership. These musical instruments sit at the front of the Kwartzlab. They were made using recycled materials by current artist-in-residence Pamela Rojas.
(Lauren Kuivenhoven/CBC) "You come in, you get a tour, we do a little interview process, more of a get-to-know-you kind of process." said Papadakis. After checking with the rest of the board and members, they collectively decide whether or not someone is a good fit for the Kwartzlab community.
"We are very protective of our community and our members. We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable and happy to work here," he said. The Kwartzlab also runs a weekly open house on Tuesdays that is free to the public.
From 7 p.m to 10 p.m.
people who are curious about the space are invi.