March 28, 2024

PaxSpace Seeks Money & Members as it Grows

Posted for The Patuxent Partnership
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Nick Clark, a founder of PaxSpace, told a small room of technocrats last month that the local makerspace was just beginning serious fundraising. It was difficult not to suspect that it was because he was having too much fun.

Makerspace.com  describes itself as  “community centers with tools,” which exactly describes PaxSpace, already operating out of 1,700 square feet in St. Mary’s Industrial Park on Airport View Dr.

But it was also clear from Mr. Clark’s presentation, that a rapid demonstration of community interest and extraordinarily quick development of labs and accumulation of equipment has filled his time.

Barely launched six months ago, PaxSpace offers access to computers, electronics, soldering stations, 3D Printers, an extensive wood shop, and a growing metal shop. Volunteers offer classes free or at a nominal fee reflective of the mentioned facilities. (Check their classes.) The facility also provides storage space for  members.

“It’s the love of making,” Mr. Clark told the small group of  industry representatives introduced to PaxSpace by The Patuxent Partnership. “We used to fix things. We use to make things,” Mr. Clark said of a culture that is changing into a throw-away society. To counteract this, he said, “We motivate with equipment and tools.”

tim_sergerPaxSpace currently has 38 members. The original 30 had both their own projects and prototyping in mind when they began creating PaxSpace, but many also sought activities to engage their children in hands-on STEM pursuits. To this end they have launched classes and held open houses.

They need funding, equipment, a larger facility and more members. All of these things provide access to the expanding facility. Makerspaces and other collaborative work arenas have demonstrated that shared expertise and equipment accessibility are catalysts for successful invention and prototyping.

Already, much of PaxSpace’s equipment is highly desirable, in particular their 3D printers. “One of the 3D printers we’re building will be pretty much 3D printed,” Mr. Clark said.

“Our goal,” reads their website, “is to find 50-100 like-minded inventors, builders, and hobbyists that would like a common space with fellow individuals with similar interests and all the tools, equipment needed to perform that activity.

“We provide education by giving free lectures and slideshows in our public space open to the public and members and other public venues as well as utilizing social media channels and the corporation’s website to provide education on the use of tools and knowledge to create innovated items for the members and the public.”

The Patuxent Partnership & STEM initiatives are supported by:

LockheedAnchor

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