Since humans first learned to harness the power of fire thousands of years ago, it has been a wellspring of imagination, creation and innovation. From the earliest days, fire enabled us to cook food, stay warm and protect ourselves. Over millennia, our mastery of fire has led to countless advancements in the arts and sciences, including metalworking, which has shaped the course of human history.

On August 10th, Mixxer kicks off its Annual Arts on Fire Month. Over five weeks, Mixxer will host more than 50 classes themed around fire. From jewelry making to blacksmithing, Shou Sugi Ban to flame painting, there will be something exciting for makers and creators of all ages and ability levels. Arts on Fire Month culminates on September 15th with Mixxer’s 5th Annual “Iron Pour.” An Iron Pour is a striking example of our relationship with fire. In this captivating process, iron is heated until it becomes molten, glowing with an intense orange heat. This liquid metal is then carefully poured into molds, creating intricate shapes and forms. The iron pour is not just a practical method for making tools or parts; it’s also a dramatic artistic expression, showcasing the transformative power of fire. This year, Mixxer’s Iron Pour is a day-long community event in collaboration with the Winston-Salem Food Truck Festival and will feature additional fire themed classes, demonstrations, vendors, kids’ activities and the opportunity to make your own cast iron creation.

But Wait…What is Mixxer Community Makerspace?

Have you ever wanted to make something for your home, like a farmhouse-style dining table or a cool cutting board? Or learn how to make jewelry, sew buttonholes or learn to weld? Only to realize that the cost of the tools to get started is way higher than you thought and those YouTube videos you are watching aren’t too helpful? That’s where Mixxer Community Makerspace comes in.

Mixxer is similar in some ways to a YMCA. It is a non-profit organization where members pay a monthly fee to have access to the facility and its amenities. But, instead of pools, basketball courts and weight rooms, at Mixxer you will find a woodshop, artisan and crafting areas, forges, 3D printers and much more. The staff provides free training on any of the tools to help you complete almost any project you can imagine.

Who Uses Mixxer?

The answer is simple – Mixxer is for everyone. While we have an awesome array of tools, gadgets and equipment, the community here at Mixxer is our greatest asset. In fact, that is why our name is Mixxer – we are a diverse mix of people with varied backgrounds and experiences who share a passion for making and creating, and love to share our knowledge with others. It is not uncommon to walk into the building and find members helping each other work through problems, learn new skills and share ideas.

We currently have more than 200 members, many of whom pop in weekly to work on their crafts and hobbies, while others are here once a month to utilize a piece of equipment they may not have room for in their own home. Mixxer members boast an array of skill sets. About 25% are artists working to hone their craft, another 25% are innovators and entrepreneurs developing their ideas and the remaining half are folks who just like to create and learn new things.

Not a Member? That’s OK!

If you are already excited and ready to join, memberships start at $35 a month, and you can sign up online at wsmixxer.org/membership. If you want to see everything in action, you can come by Mixxer for a tour or check out one of our classes. Each week, Mixxer hosts a variety of classes that are open to the public, and no experience is required. Classes range from making your own wood framed mirror and sewing to 3D modeling and printing.

Mixxer’s Mission

Mixxer’s mission is to grow a creative community that provides equitable access to tech, tools and knowledge regardless of experience or background. To support this mission, Mixxer hosts Residency programs and an Artist and Craftsperson’s Development Series (ACDS). This spring, Mixxer kicked off a Women and Gender Expansive Residency Program for Woodworking and Metalworking. The goal of this program is to broaden skills for women and gender-expansive people, and build a community that fosters inclusivity in these two art forms and all of Mixxer’s shops. Funded with support from the Winston-Salem Women’s Fund, this program was initially intended to support four residents. However, after receiving more than 100 applications, Mixxer opened the program to 16 participants.

The ACDS aims to educate, elevate and support the growth and collaboration of individual artists and craftspersons in Forsyth County and surrounding communities, helping them develop their craft and build professional careers. By serving artists and craftspersons in the greater Piedmont Triad community through casual meet-ups, educational workshops and pooled service offerings, Mixxer can help identify critical needs, pool community resources and elevate a wider population of creatives. This growth is achieved through tactical alliances that aim to increase diversity, equity and inclusion across current offerings in the area.

STEAM Education

As part of their mission, Mixxer is committed to inspiring the next generation of makers, creators and innovators. Mixxer’s STEAM Education Programs inspire creativity and innovation by integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics through hands-on, project-based learning. Youth, teens and families engage in real world challenges using modern tools like 3D printers and laser cutters, fostering collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving skills. With guidance from experienced mentors, Mixxer’s goal is to help young people gain practical skills and confidence, preparing them for diverse future careers. By blending technical and artistic disciplines, Mixxer creates a dynamic learning environment that encourages exploration and entrepreneurial thinking.

More About Mixxer

Mixxer is located in the Industry Hill section of Downtown Winston-Salem on Martin Luther King Drive, between the Ramkat and the Winston Cup Museum. We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can find more information about classes, memberships and Arts on Fire Month at wsmixxer.org.