business spotlight

I was first introduced to the idea of Maker13 by the owners in a tent at Harvest Homecoming 2015 . I bought some small , laser-cut wood pieces to use in my jewelry making and picked up a brochure about the Maker Mobile and a future “ makerspace ,” a place where people from all walks of life would have access to resources , equipment , technology and knowledge they otherwise might not have the opportunity to use .

I have always been an artist and crafter , but the expense of equipment and space has left me relying on others . The thought of a makerspace in Southern Indiana made my head swim with possibilities .

With backing from the Ogle Center , John Riley and Brian Niehoff designed and brought to life a mobile version in the Maker Mobile , a non-profit , fully functioning maker studio on wheels . Maker

Mobile is a 32-foot trailer outfitted with laser cutters , 3Dprinters , Vinyl Cutters , computer stations and more . It travels to schools , organizations and robotic competitions all over Southern Indiana and Kentucky educating and exposing people to opportunities to create and build .

With their engineering expertise in the field , Riley and Niehoff enlisted a finance and accounting specialist and a marketing entrepreneur to join in opening Maker13 in Jeffersonville . Together , husband and wife teams John and Christy Riley and Brian and Lauren Niehoff , have built a space for dreamers and artists , small business owners , crafters , builders and curious people like me wanting to be all of the above . The unassuming . charcoal gray building in Jeffersonville houses a beautifully-decorated interior , and an incredible collection of tools and machines , some I am familiar with and some I am itching with curiosity to learn .

Maker13 has many options for membership , including ones for individuals , families and businesses . There is a weekender membership , monthly memberships or rates for the year . There are even scholarships available for qualifying makers . Classes are offered for each of the machines in the space for a small fee . Once the class has been completed , you are free to sign up to use the machine of your choice . Maker13 also offers events , one-time classes , date nights and group events , and parent and child classes to members and non-members alike . Some of the classes and events include handmade cutting boards , trivets , paint and stencil classes , mason jar candy dispenser class and an Etch and Brew with a local beer distiller .

The list of equipment at Maker13 is extensive .

62 EXTOL • JUNE / JULY 2017