FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A downtown Fresno makers nonprofit is asking for community help after rain and wildlife damage led to part of its roof collapsing, putting its workshops and creative space at risk.
A downtown Fresno makers nonprofit is asking for community help after rain and wildlife damage led to part of its roof collapsing, putting its workshops and creative space at risk (FOX26).
IdeaWorks, a shared workshop space where members can take classes and use equipment for projects ranging from woodworking and glass blowing to sewing, operates out of a building that was built in the 1920s.
“It started with the idea of, I don’t want to go spend $10,000 on my shop so let’s put that money together and make it available to lots of people,” said Bill Frame, an IdeaWorks maker.
Makers said the aging structure has taken years of wear and tear, and water is now pouring through the roof.
Members said the building’s condition has become alarming as water damage worsens (PHOTO: PHOTOJOURNALIST CHASE GAUTHIER).
For some members, the space is also a place to find community and explore creativity.
IdeaWorks, a shared workshop space where members can take classes and use equipment for projects ranging from woodworking and glass blowing to sewing, operates out of a building that was built in the 1920s (PHOTO: PHOTOJOURNALIST CHASE GAUTHIER).
“After I got here and I learned more that I actually did have that creative, artistic talent hidden where I never even knew it was there,” Rachel Baldwyn, an IdeaWorks maker. said. “I came here and I just instantly found light-minded people who just took me in as, you know, I was part of their group from day one and it was the best thing I could have ever done.”
But members said the building’s condition has become alarming as water damage worsens.
“When we see a literal waterfall pouring down the corner of a room that is laid in plaster from some from the 20s and then more from mid-century when they changed the outer facade there, it’s scary,” Janelle Ozeran, an IdeaWorks maker, said.
Baldwyn said attempts to patch the roof have not been enough to stop the leaks.
“I went up there one day and I’d patched 17 holes just in the rain, hoping that I was going to be able to just slow the water down and it just didn’t make any difference,” she said.
To raise money for repairs, the nonprofit is hosting an event called MakersFest.
“I kind of wanted something that could represent who we are and our history and hopefully bring in the money,” Baldwyn said.
The event will include multiple workshops and auctions, along with food and take-home crafts.
“A fun day to bring the kids, bring the family and open your wallet to help an organization that really could use the help,” Baldwyn said.
MakersFest is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers said there will also be a raffle to win a free craft.
Information about attending, donating or sponsoring the event is available HERE.