Cruces Creatives is a makerspace with the objective of helping people learn skills and make projects. A makerspace is like a gym where people can work on their craft, having access to a variety of tools and trades to try and learn. The non-profit offers classes for all ages, skill levels and interests.
Cruces Creatives aims to be a place where artists, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs can work together. Cruces Creatives hope to encourage more young adults to join or come check them out.
The founders of Cruces Creatives are Lea Wise-Surguy, John Simmons, Magret Neil, Micheal Harris, and Jeff Moore.
Lea Wise-Surgery came up with the idea back in 2009.
“I knew when I was going to graduate from college, I was going to lose all of the tools and the community that made my practice possible, and the more I researched making, the more I realized it’s a community issue to not have tools or spaces or communities to make.” Wise-Surgery said.
In 2018 Cruces Creatives opened to the public. When the pandemic hit, they helped the community by making kits where people could create face masks and helped make face shields for teachers.
Simmons said their combat robot club began because a young man wanted to do combat robotics.
“He came with the idea, and people sort of gathered around that and got all the resources together to make it happen.” Simmons said.
Simmons stated that here they have more tools and space than he could ever hope to have on his own here.
“I wanted to create the space that I wish I had always had when I was younger. said Simmons… sharing it with everybody, and together, we have a lot more tools and space than you know, I could ever have on my own.”
I wanted to create the space that I wish I had always had when I was younger. So, you know, it was just about building, building my workshop, and the way I wanted it, and sharing it with everybody, and together, we have a lot more tools and space than you know, I could ever have on my own.
Members get access to all the equipment available in the buildings including 3D printers that use filament or resin; a laser engraver, CNC machine; textile lab; multimedia room; electronics lab; stained glass tools; jewelry making tools; and vinyl cutters.
Participants attending a free demonstration at Cruces Creatives focus on following directions. Nov. 12, 2024. (Leah De La Torre)
Cruces Creatives also works with youth programs and puts on community events, like murals, art shows and open mic nights.
There are different payment options available for days, months and yearly members but members can also volunteer three hours a week to get access to all the equipment.
“We love working with volunteers, whether they want to come help in the space, whether they would love to help in our education programs, we work with a lot of K through 12 students,” Wise-Surgery said. “We do a lot of programs; individuals could choose to teach classes and share their gifts. They can choose to come and engage with classes or events or choose to become members and get to use the space to make in their own ways as well.’’
Erin Castillo, who studied production design, taught the textile safety class last Wednesday. She explained why she decided to volunteer her time in this way.
“I love the idea of, you know, people being able to come in here and explore whatever they want to without putting that money for equipment up front. And so, it’s just a really neat place for the community to be able to be creative.” Castillo said.
People can come at any time for a free 15-minute tour. To support Cruces Creatives, readers can visit their website to learn about events, programs and donations.
