Starting Sunday May 27th, our workshop will be open for you to use every Sunday from 11am-4pm! You might be thinking, “Jenny, what do you mean ‘open for me to use’? That’s pretty vague.” To that that I say, let me explain. Here is a hypothetical conversation I might have with you about Community Workshop:
You: What is Community Workshop?
Me: Community Workshop is time that our workshop (not just our retail store) is open to the public. This means you can use our tools, get advice from creative-reuse pros, scavenge our found objects for materials, and create, make, and build! We want to foster a creative culture of re-use and resourcefulness in St. Louis. So, we are here to provide a place for you to freely create (or re-create) and transform discarded objects into new amazing pieces for your home.
You: That sounds great! I have this old coffee table I have been wanting to refinish. If I bring it into work on, how much are you going to charge me? How much does Community Workshop cost?
Me: If you are working on a personal project we suggest that you pay $10 per hour you are here working. We understand that not everyone can afford $10 and hour, and that some people could probably afford more! So you can pay to the best of your means. Me personally, I think this opportunity is pretty valuable!
You: What do you mean, “IF I have a personal project”? Are there other things I can work on during Community Workshop?
Me: So nice of you to ask! We DO have other things you can work on, things we would love to have your help with! Community Workshop is also a GREAT time for you to volunteer. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can help us with shop improvement projects or with the design and production of the goods we create to sell. As you help with these projects, we will teach you new skills like how to use a pull saw or mix your own milk paint!
You: Do I still need to pay $10/hour if I’m volunteering?
Me: No, no, no. Unless you really want to, that is.
You: Well, I’m ready to get to work!
Me: Hold on. Before you get to work, you’ll need to complete shop orientation. This way, we know you are able to use most of the tools in the shop and are familiar with shop safety and our shop policies.
You: When is shop orientation? How do I sign up?
Me: Shop orientations will be help directly after the first DIY Demo of the month. That means May’s orientation is THIS Saturday 5/19 from 1-2 pm. Just email jenny@perennialstl.org to RSVP. Then, you’ll be set to create with us at our first Community Workshop 5/27 from 11am-4pm.
I think that was where our conversation ended and we both ran into the alley to look for broken furniture to work on on May 27th . But if you have any more questions, feel free to ask them in our comment section below. See you next Saturday for shop orientation!