Started in 2014 by Barbara Mueller and her husband, Gizmo operates a unique business that new executive director Katrina Whitecavage is looking to make a true “third place,” somewhere that is not work or home, where people can connect, create and recharge.

“We welcome all, and all who want to be welcomed,” Whitecavage said.

Gizmo, part of the NIC campus in the Hedlund Building, is a “maker space.” From woodworking to robotics to pottery, Gizmo offers a place to learn, sharpen and find a community across many different interests.

Gizmo offers several entry points through youth and adult classes that demystify tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, woodshop equipment and sewing machines. 

“Getting people here, trained on a specific tool where they feel empowered to come in and use that tool. Having structured space, structured time makes you feel like ‘oh yeah, I now understand what I can do here,” said Whitecavage. 

Whitecavage says these experiences combat the sense of overwhelm that many feel when entering the space.

One of the biggest reasons people go to Gizmo is to learn how to use computer-based machines. 

“We see a lot of people coming through particularly for the 3D printing and the modeling world,” said Whitecavage. 

Visibility remains a key challenge for Gizmo, but renovations and outreach efforts, including a planned YouTube channel featuring time-lapses and member stories, aim to address it. 

Gizmo, rather than considering itself a center for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), is leaning towards STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), fostering “cross-pollination” between the disciplines. Whitecavage says that Gizmo is unique in its ability to give access to so many different tools. 

“Many of these tools don’t usually exist in the same facility,” said Whitecavage. 

Woodworkers engrave laser-cut designs, potters draw from painting classes, but most importantly, skills are learned for life, not for one-off projects. 

“We want people to be able to create what they want to create,” said Whitecavage. “It’s also vital that they’re also able to create it in the future.”

As people’s familiarity with technology increases, so does their use of it. Smartphones, tablets and laptops are a part of most people’s everyday items. Part of Whitecavage’s philosophy is not to get you off of your device. 

“I am not necessarily thinking we need less screen time,” she said. “We just need to put that screen time towards purpose, as opposed to that mindless scroll.”

For more information, visit the Gizmo website: https://www.gizmo-cda.org