Museum, Curators, Educators, Volunteers and Staff

Enroll Today for this Unique Workshop

Starts January 15th Enroll through January 22nd

Maker Spaces Designed for Museums

Online Workshop

There is a kind of revolution going on in programming and museums are one of the leaders of the movement.  Whether you call them Maker,  Community, or Hacker Spaces, these DIY working areas in libraries and museums have become a popular meeting and creative program space for patrons of all ages.   Join other museums who have already attended this class in learning about Makerspaces for Museums.

This timely workshop will outline what Maker Spaces are and where they are located. The workshop will explore the best examples, and present how to advice, practical idea suggestions, and resources for creating STEAM programming, hands on collaboration and learning into your museum or learning center. See what others are doing. 

Whether you are an Art, Science, History, Children's, or Natural History Museum this class is for you.  Even if you don't have the space, budget, funding, or staff right now,  this class will benefit you. You will get an opportunity to plan your Maker Space and network with others who have or are in their way to creating a place and programming.

 Much more than a make it and take it, Maker Spaces provide the tools, instruction, and company of others that inspire and enable creative making. 

Just a few comments from Past Museum Staff Participants:

I now have a much better understanding of the variety of making that can be done in a maker space (it's not just electronics and robotics.) -As well as the value of high quality materials and giving people choices.

I have a much clearer understanding of all of the possibilities for a Maker Space. We are already doing many aspects of it, with a focus on arts, and I am excited to use my new knowledge to advance our offerings to include more science, engineering, and math. This has been perfectly timed, as I am currently developing a plan to better utilize our second floor. Thank you!

STEM is one area where I feel our museum is lacking. We have a strong focus on Art, but the other areas do not get a lot of attention. In this unit I have learned that those are areas we need to ramp up our attention if we want to engage a larger number of our visitors.

I loved the example from the Exploratorium on the Valentine's Day themed "group build." The chain reaction "machine" with visitors contributing to various sections of the whole was impressive. I would love to do something similar for one of our "Mix'd Media" evenings for young adults.

The reminders for "safety first" were excellent.

I would use this week's information when planning a space, either temporary or permanent, and when designing an activity.

Participants will receive excellent resources that they can begin using immediately to plan and present a Maker-station and Space program of their own.  

Online Workshop 12 hours Overall ( A non-credit Thank you for Participating Certificate will be distributed to those finishing the 4 week workshop)

Access the workshop at your own convenience 24/7.  Ask about Group Discount.  Museum Invoice Accepted or Pay on the Secured Site below through PayPal.

Unit 1-This week we will explore the definition of MakerSpace. We will look at specific examples in various libraries and museums and begin to learn how to create one yourself in your own space.

Unit 2-Week 2 we will continue to look at techniques for creating a maker-station, tools and supplies you will need, and how to locate materials and experts to facilitate programming. Safety issues will also be addressed.  You will also explore designing space and skills that participants might learn?

Unit 3-The best of Makerspace programming ideas. This week we will look at museums that have been successful in creating effective workspace programming. What do they know, that will help you?

Unit 4-Sorting programs using Age, Interest, and Budget as a factor. Create a MakerSpace program idea proposal.  

Instructor Valerie Colston, M.A. (BA UCSD) is a university art instructor and author with many years of experience developing and presenting art programs. She has taught 100 Art Ideas for Teachers at the University of California, Extension in San Diego, California and a variety of Art history courses online through colleges and universities. Her book 200 Projects to Strengthen Your Art Skills published by Barrons Educational Series has received outstanding reviews appearing in School Library Journal, National Art Education Association newsletter, and more. Her "It's Easy to be a Green Teen" appeared in the youth librarian publication Voices of Youth Advocates.  Colston is the author of Teens Go Green! Tips, Techniques, Tools and Themes for YA Programming. Libraries Unlimited Professional guides for Young Adult Librarians Series was published in December 2012.  Both books have been at times on the Bestseller list on Amazon in their respective catagories.  Her artwork was included in a juried group show titled HOME at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art. Colston has been teaching Making Maker Space Programming for Librarians for several years and Makerspaces Designed for Museums for several years through her online workshops.

For more information and to sign up visit

Makerspaces 4 Museums

http://www.artmuseums.com/makerspaces4museums.htm