A nonprofit organization here named Spokane Create! is embracing a growing trend in the U.S. and globally to launch community workshops called “makerspaces,” where a diverse group of people can tinker with technology and build gadgets.
The makerspace concept encourages people to develop innovative ideas and collaborate on inventions, interactive art pieces, or personal hobbyist projects. Group members also share tools, such as a 3-D printer, and teach each other skills that can include machining or programming.
Spokane Create! co-founders say the group started meeting weekly early this year in a 2,000-square-foot building that Spokane-based Banner Furnace & Fuel Inc. owns at 129 N. Madelia. Banner Fuel previously used the structure for storage and now is donating the space.
Currently, about 10 people of various ages and backgrounds consistently meet at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday.
“We…
