The best part about the Forge is the community of member artists who ply their crafts in this…read morespace. Virtually everyone I met during the 2+ years I was a member was encouraging and supportive of creative work and process. The Forge also has basic equipment for a very wide range of creative expression. The equipment capacities are designed for entry-level folks. If you want to learn welding, or glass blowing or industrial sewing, this is a great place. Sadly, if you want to grow your skills, this may not be the right place. One of the owners manages what you can and cannot do in the making space. He treats this as his private home with cool toys to which you as a member have been granted admission by your monthly payment. If he doesn't like or want you to play with his toys, you are SOL. Longtime "studio guides" implement the owner's wishes, regardless of what is in the best interest of members. That owner refused to give me access to a fairly simple piece of equipment for over a year. The rationale provided over the course of a year and more never held water. During that time I paid over $1000 in membership fees without ever being granted approval to use the specific equipment, despite the fact that other people had regular access to it. I was not treated as a client, I was treated as a supplicant..and I found that untenable. This is not a "professionally managed space" and you would be happier elsewhere as the owner described it to me in an email when I was "invited to leave." You will be happy if the current provisions meet your needs. If you need any upgrades, fixes, adaptations...forget it. This place is managed on such a tiny margin that there is zero room for improvement.

I'm delighted to say The Curious Forge has become a significant part of my life where I love to go…read moreto make stuff while enjoying the company of bright, thoughtful, creative people. There are endless opportunities to learn the particulars of how to make absolutely anything! Area guides have world-class skills they enthusiastically share. Members seem to be of the same helpful mindset. The two founders are 100% present for brainstorming, feedback as well as being able to accept kudos and hugs. Every time I'm there it's a different experience. Sometimes I'm the only one sawing metal for a piece of jewelry I've dreamed up. Other times I'm in a class with several others who might be honing a skill or learning something entirely new. A weekly text lists what is happening each day that week and a newsletter comes out with exciting upcoming events to attend, volunteer with, or help create. This is a community like none other! Someone can be on their way to the metal fabrication area and stop to see what another person is making in the clay, fiber arts, or any of the 15 other studios. It is fertile ground for cross-pollination of ideas, creativity, support and friendship. We are so lucky to have this resource close to home! I hope you come check it out.