Exhibit Feature Friday: MakerSpace

Exhibit Feature Friday

At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), we use the word exhibit to describe the interactive experiences, spaces, and displays spread across three floors and immediately outside the facility at 250 Thompson’s Point Road. CMTM is home to over 15 exhibits, each designed to encourage experiential learning through open-ended play.

Our team at CMTM decided to give each exhibit the spotlight it deserves and is dedicating Fridays to highlighting a new exhibit, diving a little deeper into the WHY and HOW behind each playful space and experience.

EXHIBIT: MakerSpace

LOCATION: 2nd Floor

“The beauty of the MakerSpace is how free-form it is - the unlimited possibilities to create, explore, and grow. It has something for all ages and capabilities, making it a lively hub for art and humans to converge!”

— Annika, Visitor Program Associate

MakerSpace is a workshop for open-ended creation designed for Makers of all ages. It is a guided exhibit, and is typically open once in the morning and once in the afternoon. MakerSpace invites visitors to activate their imaginations and build incredible creations using a variety of supplies, tools, and methods. Guests can practice fine motor skills, engineer structures, relax while coloring, or work together to make a masterpiece!

“I love seeing the amazing creations kids make when they let their imaginations run wild!”

— Caroline, Visitor Program Assistant

MakerSpace activities are designed for a range of ages and abilities. The exhibit is staffed with team members who are ready to adapt to visitors' individual needs. The workshop tables, benches, and sinks are ADA-compliant, and adaptive tools like easy-grip scissors, paint brushes, and tool straps are available to ensure that all guests feel comfortable while creating.

Every day in MakerSpace is different. While classic art supplies like crayons, scissors, and glue are always present, visitors will also find an ever-changing selection of specialty materials like fabric, wire, and wood. CMTM recognizes the importance of sustainable creation and prioritizes using supplies like recycled cardboard, newspaper, bottles, and found objects.

Some visitors come to MakerSpace with specific creations in mind, while others are inspired by the materials they find. CMTM encourages open-ended creation and free exploration, but if visitors need more guidance, there are suggested crafts and pop-up activity stations with simple instructions for participating. Friendly staff members are nearby to offer assistance and support.

“The MakerSpace inspires me as an artist. When I see so many young people creating something new with recycled materials, it reminds me how possible it is for anybody to be creative in their daily life… I love how the space sparks ideas about reusing and recycling. Visitors see amazing creations made of cardboard boxes and bottle caps, and they say, ‘we could do that at home.’”

— Nolan, Visitor Program Associate

In the MakerSpace WoodWorks Area (generously sponsored by Hancock Lumber), visitors can learn to use wood and hand tools with a MakerSpace staff member. These workbenches allow Makers to build creations with real tools like screwdrivers, drills, and hammers. Using these tools empowers guests to build, invent, and engineer while developing workshop skills that will last a lifetime.

CMTM regularly hosts themed activities in MakerSpace. These are often centered around collaborative projects, where all visitors are invited to contribute to one large collective project. These activities inspire teamwork, imagination, and problem-solving. Past themes include The Night Sky, Boats and Things that Float, Dinosaurs, and Map Making.

Visiting Artists are another special feature of the MakerSpace. CMTM often invites artists and creators from Portland and beyond to deliver specialty MakerSpace programs and workshops. This allows visitors to meet and learn from professional artisans, while working with unique materials like fiber, mosaic, and more!

For information on upcoming collaborative projects and visiting artists, check out the CMTM Events and Programs Calendar.

MakerSpace is also the location for a variety of afterschool programming. CMTM Afterschool Experiences, designed for children ages 5 - 12, allow for deeper exploration of artistic methods centered around specific themes. Participants study influential makers and creators while testing new materials and learning through creative expression. Learn more about upcoming MakerSpace programs on the Afterschool Experiences Page.

“The Makerspace is a great place for Afterschool Experiences because it allows kids to really explore different modes of making and engineering. Afterschool Experiences give kids a chance to dig deeper and develop their ideas and skills. Whether it’s painting, designing cars, or making robots, exploration and experimentation is at the core of our Afterschool Experiences. The Makerspace is the perfect setting to host these programs.”

— Lauren, Education Program Associate