Mixxer Community Makerspace, a nonprofit organization in the heart of Winston-Salem, is more than just a workshop – it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration and inclusivity. As a community workshop and open artist studio, Mixxer provides local artists, craftspersons, tinkers, hobbyists and other creatives a community in which they can thrive. Through membership, individuals and families can access workshops, studios and equipment, with free tool training to help them get started. In addition to its programming for adults, Mixxer also offers youth, teen and family focused classes that inspire learners of all ages to explore new skills and passions.
At the core of Mixxer’s mission – growing a creative community that provides equitable access to tools, tech and knowledge regardless of experience or background – is the Artist and Craftsperson Development Series and Artist Residency Programs. These programs are for local artists and craftspersons, empowering them to elevate their craft while connecting with others in the creative community.
The Artist and Craftsperson Development Series
The Artist and Craftsperson Development Series (ACDS) serves as a launchpad for local talent, offering educational workshops, collaborative meetups and professional development resources to help artists build sustainable careers. Sessions like “How to Craft Your Artist Statement,” “Building a Local Network,” and “Budgeting for Life on an Irregular Income” equip participants with practical tools to navigate the art world.
In addition to individual growth, ACDS strengthens the broader creative community by pooling resources, addressing shared challenges and fostering collaboration. This initiative reflects Mixxer’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or experience, has a place in the creative ecosystem.
Artist Residency Programs: Supporting Growth and Community
At the heart of Mixxer’s commitment to fostering creativity is its Artist Residency Program. Designed to support emerging and established artists, these residencies provide participants with the time, space and resources needed to grow their craft. Artist residencies are immersive opportunities for creatives to deepen their skills, explore new techniques and engage with the community in meaningful ways.
Mixxer’s residencies go beyond personal growth; they are also designed to enrich the organization and its community. Artists contribute to Mixxer by offering instruction, supporting public programs and inspiring others through workshops and collaborative projects. This dual purpose – supporting individual development while expanding organizational capacity – helps ensure we grow a successful and sustainable art community well into the future.
The Women and Gender Expansive Residencies in Metalworking and Woodworking are examples of Mixxer’s efforts to make traditionally exclusive knowledge more accessible. By opening the doors of the metal and wood shops to women and gender-expansive individuals, Mixxer helps shift expertise in these fields which have historically been dominated by men. These residencies are designed to not only cultivate technical skills across multiple mediums, but also to foster confidence and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in these crafts
A Space for Everyone
Mixxer Community Makerspace shows us what can happen when creativity and community come together. Whether through memberships, public classes or specialized programs like the Artist and Craftsperson Development Series, Mixxer ensures that everyone – regardless of age, experience or background – has the opportunity to create, connect and grow.
For more information on memberships, programs and classes, or upcoming events, visit wsmixxer.org and join the movement to empower creativity in Forsyth County.
