Western North Carolina: Makerspaces & Co-Working Spaces

Western North Carolina -- September 15, 2024: (WNC) is more than just a picturesque region with stunning mountain

views and vibrant communities; it's also a thriving hub for creativity and innovation.

In cities like Asheville, Waynesville, and Hendersonville, makerspaces and co-working spaces provide essential resources and community connections for artists, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and creative professionals. These spaces are vital to the local ecosystem, offering places to collaborate, innovate, and grow.

Asheville: A City of Makers and Innovators

Asheville Makers

Located in the heart of Asheville at 207 Coxe Ave, Asheville Makers is a dynamic community-driven makerspace. It provides an inviting environment where individuals passionate about woodworking, electronics, metalworking, and 3D printing can come together to share knowledge, tools, and inspiration. Regular workshops and community events at Asheville Makers attract a diverse range of people—from hobbyists to experienced makers—creating a space where creativity flourishes and new ideas are born.

Odyssey ClayWorks

Situated at 236 Clingman Ave, Odyssey ClayWorks is a haven for ceramic artists. This facility offers a comprehensive space equipped with pottery wheels, kilns, and all the tools needed for ceramic creation. With its varied classes and workshops, Odyssey ClayWorks caters to both beginners and seasoned artists, emphasizing a sense of community and artistic growth. Annual events like the holiday clay sale bring together local talent and highlight the region's vibrant ceramics community.

Asheville Tool Library

At 133 Livingston St, the Asheville Tool Library offers a unique twist on the traditional makerspace model. Here, residents can borrow tools and equipment for DIY projects, from basic hand tools to specialized equipment. This tool-sharing concept promotes sustainability and community, enabling locals to undertake projects they might not otherwise be able to afford. Regular DIY workshops help community members build their skills and connect over shared projects.

The Collider

For those working at the intersection of innovation and climate solutions, The Collider at 1 Haywood St is a unique co-working space. Focused on climate action, The Collider provides a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs, scientists, and startups. The space hosts workshops, networking events, and has formed partnerships with various organizations to foster innovation in climate solutions.

Focal Point Coworking and Mojo Coworking

In the bustling downtown of Asheville, Focal Point Coworking and Mojo Coworking provide modern, flexible workspaces for freelancers, small businesses, and remote workers. Focal Point, located at 125 S Lexington Ave, and Mojo, at 60 N Market St, both offer a range of amenities, from hot desks to private offices, and regularly host networking events, workshops, and wellness programs. These spaces are known for their supportive communities, making them perfect for professionals looking to connect and collaborate.

Waynesville: Community-Focused Creative Spaces

Folkmoot Makerspace

Located within the historic Folkmoot Friendship Center at 112 Virginia Ave, the Folkmoot Makerspace is an embodiment of Waynesville’s deep appreciation for both traditional and contemporary crafts. This community-driven space offers tools and workshops for woodworking, crafting, and other creative endeavors. It also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region through special events that focus on folk art and traditional crafts.

Haywood Community College Creative Arts Building

Though slightly outside Waynesville in Clyde, NC, the Creative Arts Building at Haywood Community College is a valuable resource for local artists and makers. It offers workshops, artist residencies, and access to state-of-the-art facilities for woodworking, ceramics, fiber arts, and more. This space supports traditional Appalachian crafts and encourages sustainability, fostering a strong connection to the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.

HQ Waynesville

HQ Waynesville, located at 144 Montgomery St, offers a professional yet laid-back co-working environment for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. With flexible membership plans, high-speed internet, and a range of workspaces, HQ Waynesville is designed to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration among local professionals.

The Coffee Room

While primarily a cozy coffee shop at 104 N Main St, The Coffee Room doubles as a popular informal co-working space. With ample seating, free Wi-Fi, and a friendly atmosphere, it's a favorite spot for freelancers, remote workers, and local professionals looking to connect over a cup of coffee.

Hendersonville: A Growing Hub for Makers and Remote Workers

Aloft Makers

Aloft Makers, located at 201 N King St in Hendersonville, is a vibrant makerspace that offers a collaborative environment for woodworking, 3D printing, electronics, and other creative projects.

The space hosts workshops and open studio times, catering to makers of all skill levels, and fosters a strong sense of community among its members.

The Makers' Market of Hendersonville

Situated at 502 N Main St, The Makers' Market is both a retail space and a creative hub where local artists and makers display and sell their work. It hosts regular events, classes, and pop-up workshops, promoting creativity and community engagement. The market supports local artisans by providing them a platform to showcase their unique creations and connect with customers.

The Mill at Riverside

The Mill at Riverside, at 532 N Main St, offers a range of workspace options, from hot desks to private offices, along with meeting rooms and event spaces. This co-working space is a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small businesses, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and community building.

CoWork by 3rd Place

CoWork by 3rd Place, located at 508 N Grove St, is another co-working option in Hendersonville that offers a supportive, community-oriented atmosphere. It caters to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, providing open desks, private offices, and meeting rooms. Regular professional development events and networking opportunities make it an ideal place for local professionals to connect and grow.

Basecamp AVL

Though its name suggests an Asheville connection, Basecamp AVL has a location in Hendersonville at 125 S Main St, offering flexible workspaces for creatives, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals. The space is designed to encourage collaboration, creativity, and productivity, with modern amenities and a focus on community-building.

A Thriving Future for Creativity in Western North Carolina

From Asheville’s vibrant urban centers to the charming towns of Waynesville and Hendersonville, makerspaces and co-working spaces are fostering creativity and innovation across Western North Carolina. These spaces provide essential resources, opportunities for collaboration, and a sense of community for artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers alike.

Whether you’re a painter seeking a studio, a tech startup founder looking for a collaborative environment, or a remote worker in search of a productive space, Western North Carolina offers a rich array of options to help you thrive. As the creative landscape of WNC continues to evolve, these spaces will remain at the heart of the region’s dynamic and innovative spirit.

WNCTimes

image: WNCTimes