Workshop 88 is a newly founded space where people with common interests; generally in science,…read moretechnology, and/or the digital and electronic arts, can socialize and collaborate. Come share ideas, have fun, learn something new or make something. Meetings and classes are open to the public so if you are interested, drop in. Check the website or follow them on twitter @Workshop88 for details on meetings and other upcoming social events.

Workshop 88 is not closed!…read more They are a lively community of creative talented makers who are active in the maker community, attending Maker Fairs, teaching classes and more. The space is well equipped with 3D printers (dual head, PLA, ABS, delta types), a laser cutter/engraver, vinyl cutters, a wood shop, lathe, mill, metal working tools and much more. There is no access to the space from Main Street which probably led to this confusion. Access to the space is via the parking lot behind main street, the parking lot entrance is actually on Pennsylvania Ave, North and East of the address on main. They have open house Thursday nights - come check it out!

It's a pretty fantastic place as long as you aren't an asshole.read more

From the owner: We are a collaborative community of people driven to foster an environment for the exploration of…read morethe intersections between technology, art and culture. Over 11,000 square feet of tools, equipment, technology, art with over 500 members. Fully member-run, all-volunteer, non-profit. You'll find 3D printers, laser cutters, welding, wood shop, metal shop, arts and crafts and electronics areas with something on our event calendar just about every day.

This place is really cool and down to earth. I don't QUITE feel like I fit in, only because I am…read morenot industrious or brainy enough to get into a lot of stuff these folks do, but they have always been welcoming when I've attended their events that are open to non-members. I love when they have board game day! I've also been on a "field trip" with them to visit the You Are Beautiful studio. They've got a ton of stuff going on, and a mostly-comfortable, if industrial atmosphere to hang out. I'm looking forward to visiting when the nice weather returns to check out their new deck and backyard area. Glad they have open events for the public so I can enjoy an interesting time with them without paying membership fees for stuff I wont use. Their "stuff" is pretty cool though! Definitely impressive woodworking area, 3D Printer, I think they mentioned an embroidery machine and vinyl cutting machine, as well as a plethora of tools I personally wouldn't know the names of. Most importantly the members there seem very friendly and welcoming and down to earth. So I'll keep coming back.

Since I have joined a little over one year ago, I am continually impressed by the dynamism of the…read morecommunity. The folks in the group are eager to participate and always looking to make improvements. From woodworking, to coding, all types of tinkerers will be suited at the SSHC, and I look forward to many more years on exploration!

Located in an historic building in Batavia,this is a non profit organization offering art and craft…read moreclasses. Went for the Winterfest Art Market and was impressed with how many local artists were selling their goods at great prices and one of a kind items. Will definitely go back.

So many talented artists in this space! I had many great conversations with some of the most…read moregenuine and gifted people. The most unique was a man who crafts guitars from skateboards combining two things that he has been passionate about his whole life. They have a schedule of events and classes offered listed on their website. Definitely worth a trip to Batavia to support a local art community.

The Idea Realization Lab (IRL) at DePaul is a maker space for members of the DePaul community…read more DePaul students, staff, faculty, and alumni are able to use this space. They have various workshops and there is open time to use the lab too. This one is located on the Loop campus next to the Hospitality department in Driehaus. I was here for a workshop that is required to be authorized to use some of the equipment, and no one else came so they were able to show me the equipment as planned plus a few other items. I'm hoping to come in and get a bit more practice on some of the equipment so I can feel a bit more comfortable using it, and maybe the something small in hopes that I might prepare myself to work on a more substantial project I have in mind.

I recommend them for someone who has knowledge and needs a good atmosphere garage to work in. I…read morehave a volkswagen. I was able to do my brakes there, main coolant hose, among other things.

Great customer service and they have all the tools you need to complete your job successfullyread more

I've watched my fair share HGTV shows where the designer goes to some kooky place filled with…read moretrinkets and treasures of times gone by. This place is a bit like that but mixed with the early days of Etsy. "Designers" can rent an 8x8 or bigger "storefront" to showcase their unique designs. Mostly stuff reclaimed from decades gone by and redesigned with some kind of flair. There's generally a theme to the different storefronts: women's vintage clothing, funny and lovey-dovey sayings regarding dogs and cats, plastic and silk flowers, dairy and farm, sarcastic sayings, whiskey barrel designs for the men dragged into this place, etc. My wife and I found a whimsical chip and dip bowl. It was nice and will replace one of the blander versions we have at home. Truthfully, there were quite a bit of items that were perfect housewarming gifts and gifts for people who have specific decor tastes. It's also a decent place to just kill some time browsing through all the stuff people have created to get your own creative juices flowing.

Great place to find antiques and handmade items. I never leave empty-handed. Christmas time is…read moremy favorite time to stop in to find unique gifts. Also, most booths are beautifully decorated for the holiday season. During one visit, they were having a painting class. The room was full, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

This place is great. I needed to learn how to weld and what afternoon my instructor completely told…read moreme what to do and I've been doing it on my own ever since. I plan to go back for a refresher because they're so good. They also rent benches if you are a true welder, you can go in there and do your own work for a minimal fee.

Took MIG1 & 2 from Daniel and had a great time. Other people in the class were fun to hang out…read morewith, I felt completely safe all the time, I felt like got good 1 on 1 instruction. I will definitely book some shop time soon so I can practice and then finally weld that bumper I've been meaning to weld for a year!