Calling all makers: professionals, novices, and wannabes alike. Have you been to the ChattLab Makerspace yet?

Well, you’re in luck — we’re going on a tour. 👇

Welcome to the ChattLab

The ChattLab is a non-profit makerspace located in the INCubator (100 Cherokee Blvd., Suite 125). It’s membership-based, meaning anyone can join — and no, you don’t have to be an expert in a craft to use the space.

The makerspace started in 2012 in St. Elmo, and in 2019 the board decided to move into the INCubator, increasing the space from 2800 sqft to 5500 sqft.

Fun fact: ChattLab was doing better than most makerspaces across the country before the pandemic hit in 2020. When that happened, membership dropped by about 40%.

Fast forward to now and the lab is back up to pre-pandemic membership levels + only has room for ~25 more members.

Drawers in the craft lab with lots of different materials ready for use | Photo by NOOGAtoday

The labs

Craft | Jewelry-making, leather workshop station, embroidery + sewing machines, vinyl plotter to make stickers, hat and shirt press, and 3D printers
Fabrication | Equipped with tools like laser-cutters for use with most materials
Metal | Welding classes, metal-working, and a CNC plasma-cutter coming soon that cuts metal just like a laser-cutter
PC | PC training, graphic design, and a remote-work location
Wood | Has all the tools you need for wood projects (including free wood to use)
Paint | A small space for spray-painting that isolates the fumes

Free wood for all your project needs | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Names to know

Jeff Johnson, Co-founder, Treasurer, Head Janitor | Oversees the wood + PC labs
Chris Loizeaux, President | Oversees the craft lab
Kathryn (Kate) Warren, Vice President | Oversees the metal + welding lab
Meghan Phillips | Oversees the fabrication + paint labs

Bonus: Kate W. also runs a nonprofit, Art 120, that teaches students at inner city schools how to weld.

You can follow the ChattLab Makerspace's Meetup page for more info on events and meetings.

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