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<\/p>\nFRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d said Bill Frame, an IdeaWorks maker.<\/p>\n
Makers said the aging structure has taken years of wear and tear, and water is now pouring through the roof.<\/p>\n
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Members said the building\u2019s condition has become alarming as water damage worsens (PHOTO: PHOTOJOURNALIST CHASE GAUTHIER).<\/p>\n
For some members, the space is also a place to find community and explore creativity.<\/p>\n
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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).<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter 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,\u201d Rachel Baldwyn, an IdeaWorks maker. said. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
But members said the building\u2019s condition has become alarming as water damage worsens.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen 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,\u201d Janelle Ozeran, an IdeaWorks maker, said. <\/p>\n
Baldwyn said attempts to patch the roof have not been enough to stop the leaks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
To raise money for repairs, the nonprofit is hosting an event called MakersFest. <\/p>\n
\u201cI kind of wanted something that could represent who we are and our history and hopefully bring in the money,\u201d Baldwyn said.<\/p>\n
The event will include multiple workshops and auctions, along with food and take-home crafts.<\/p>\n
\u201cA fun day to bring the kids, bring the family and open your wallet to help an organization that really could use the help,\u201d Baldwyn said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n