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<\/p>\nA community-driven nonprofit brings creative tools, education, and affordable access to makers of all ages at Schofield Farm.<\/p>\n
Set against the backdrop of Schofield Farm\u2019s open space and rocky mountain views, the long-anticipated CO-Create Erie Makerspace is finally nearing completion. After nearly a decade of planning from the Town of Erie, the nonprofit makerspace is expected to open its doors this year.<\/p>\n
Construction began last August with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site\u2019s historic Quonset hut. Today, that space is being transformed into a collaborative hub, filled with tools for woodworking, ceramics, sewing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and more. CO-Create Erie\u2019s mission is to empower people of all ages with tools, education, and collaboration.<\/p>\n
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CO-Create Erie Makerspace groundbreaking ceremony<\/p>\n
The organization is entirely volunteer-driven, with a board composed of passionate community members who bring a wealth of experience. President Karen Hofmeister, an entrepreneur with a background in launching and organizing businesses, has led the operational development. Vice President Julia Thomas-Glennon manages the Erie Library makerspace and offers hands-on insight into what makes these creative spaces thrive. Treasurer David Rokisky, co-owner of D&C Financial Services, leads financial planning as the nonprofit prepares to welcome its first members. Secretary Janna Marmon draws on her creative business expertise from her graphic design firm and homestead, Little Luck Farmette, where she hosts artisan markets and creative events. Member at Large Nicole Zelyez, owner of Larkspur Landscaping, brings marketing savvy and was instrumental in launching the organization\u2019s first major fundraiser, the Cultivate & CO-Create Garden Tour with Ken Iverson. Iverson, a retired teacher and the organization\u2019s Sergeant at Arms, has been a key connector for the makerspace within the Erie community. Joe Cygan, another Member at Large, represents County Line Lumber, a locally rooted family business, and supports woodworking initiatives. Technical Advisors Carter Schultz, operator of Boulder\u2019s Solid State Depot makerspace, and Peter Seymour, an accomplished engineer and inventor, round out the team with expertise in technology and digital development.<\/p>\n
While opening the makerspace is the board\u2019s immediate focus, President Hofmeister is already looking to the future. \u201cWe want to take on a bigger initiative of bringing more arts and culture to this region,\u201d she says. \u201cIf it means making some kind of art corridor for East Boulder County, we want to be a part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Quonset hut at Schofield Farm Open space that will house the makerspace<\/p>\n
Stephanie Pitts-Nagus, staff liaison to the project, emphasized, \u201cCO-Create Erie makerspace is an investment in local talent. We see it as a valuable partnership that will benefit the community and economic vitality of Erie.\u201d The Town\u2019s support allows the makerspace to offer memberships at lower rates than many other regional spaces, making creativity more accessible for everyone. The partnership also includes free monthly community events hosted by CO-Create Erie. \u201cWe want to provide access to tools that are too big or too expensive for people to have at home,\u201d Karen explains, opening doors for early-stage businesses, independent makers, and the next generation of creators.<\/p>\n
As the makerspace prepares to open, CO-Create Erie invites residents, businesses, and volunteers to follow their progress and get involved at eriemakerspace.org<\/a>. The vision is to foster creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning in a supportive, welcoming community.<\/p>\n