NextFab

Come join us for the opening reception of Colette Fu’s “Unprecedented Novelty” exhibition on Thursday, February 8th, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at NextFab North Philly. Colette Fu (LTA ’13, ATR ’23, WOO ’18) is the selected 2023 Leeway x NextFab Art and Technology Artist-in-Residence. During her time at NextFab, Colette experimented with new tools and equipment, expanding upon her practice of pop-up books by integrating herself within the NextFab woodshop and woodworking community to develop new works exploring the history of Chinese people coming to America. Celebrate and view Colette’s work, Unprecedented Novelty, on display at NextFab North Philly from February 3, 2024, through

Why replace it when you can repair it? In these popup Repair Fairs, the volunteers of the Philly Fixers Guild will help you fix your stuff, free of charge, and they’re ready for the challenge. Got tangled jewelry, IKEA furniture that needs assembling, or a vacuum cleaner that’s on the fritz? Sit down with one of their volunteers and they’ll help you hands-on with fixing it. While they do have some limits, they encourage a read of their ground rules before bringing in your items. This independent collective of talented volunteers from differing technical backgrounds is committed to the idea of “repair rather than

Gallery Talk with Winter Residency Fellow Adam Atkinson | NextFab 1800 North American Street | Fri. March 15, 2024 | 6:30 pm EST | Hybrid Event Click HERE to RSVP Guests may join us either at NextFab North or via Zoom. Join us for a gallery talk with the 2024 Winter Residency Fellow Adam Atkinson. The residency is designed for artists in Greater Philadelphia who work in the medium of wood and is a collaboration between the Museum for Art in Wood and NextFab. An exhibition of the work created over the two-month-long program will be presented at the NextFab North Philadelphia

The annual Tools of the Trades hybrid conference focuses on connecting artisans and makers to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond. This three-day event provides a concentrated period for creative learning to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success however they choose to define it. Tools of the Trades delivers a variety of programming and materials – lectures, resource directories, and a collaborative event  –  to address the needs voiced by our creatives running small businesses. The conference strives to emphasize approachability, affordability, and a supportive environment where everyone can come together and no question goes unanswered. Wednesday, March

The annual Tools of the Trades hybrid conference focuses on connecting artisans and makers to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond. This three-day event provides a concentrated period for creative learning to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success however they choose to define it. Tools of the Trades delivers a variety of programming and materials – lectures, resource directories, and a collaborative event  –  to address the needs voiced by our creatives running small businesses. The conference strives to emphasize approachability, affordability, and a supportive environment where everyone can come together and no question goes unanswered. Thursday, March

The annual Tools of the Trades hybrid conference focuses on connecting artisans and makers to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond. This three-day event provides a concentrated period for creative learning to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success however they choose to define it. Tools of the Trades delivers a variety of programming and materials – lectures, resource directories, and a collaborative event  –  to address the needs voiced by our creatives running small businesses. The conference strives to emphasize approachability, affordability, and a supportive environment where everyone can come together and no question goes unanswered. Friday, March

Got unwanted jeweler’s stones or deadstock? Looking for stones, tools, or displays? Or do you want to meet other jewelry makers in Philadelphia? Join us on Tuesday, March 26th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm in this open-to-the-public Jeweler to Jeweler event at NextFab on North American Street! In partnership with Tshatshke Jewelry Studio and Kate Dannenberg Handmade, this is an opportunity to meet new friends, see the NextFab jewelry studio, and buy, sell, and trade stones, tools, and/or displays. Come as you are with or without goodies – you may leave with some new treasures! Bring what you have,

Why replace it when you can repair it? In these popup Repair Fairs, the volunteers of the Philly Fixers Guild will help you fix your stuff, free of charge, and they’re ready for the challenge. Got tangled jewelry, IKEA furniture that needs assembling, or a vacuum cleaner that’s on the fritz? Sit down with one of their volunteers and they’ll help you hands-on with fixing it. While they do have some limits, they encourage a read of their ground rules before bringing in your items. This independent collective of talented volunteers from differing technical backgrounds is committed to the idea of “repair rather than

Create Memories This Mother’s Day: Design Jewelry Together in this Mother’s Day workshop! Sun, May 12th, 2024 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Instructed by Newell Catania Class Length: 2 hours Workshop Price: $99.00 per person OR Mother’s Day Special: Buy One, Get One 50% off! Try your hand at jewelry-making at NextFab’s open-to-the-public workshop. This beginner-friendly session provides a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of jewelry design and creation. In this workshop, you’ll: Design and create your piece: Craft a unique pendant, pair of earrings, or keychain to take home and cherish. Learn jewelry-making basics: Gain a fundamental understanding of essential

Calling all LGBTQ+ Makers: Network & Explore at NextFab’s Queer Maker Night! Don’t miss this free event as part of our Pride Month programming! Join shop techs Kirby, Newell, and Hannah in our welcoming space for LGBTQ+ makers of all experience levels to connect, share their talents, and explore the possibilities at NextFab. What to Expect: Guided Shop Tour: Get a hands-on view of our various shops, including the woodshop, metal shop, jewelry studio, and more. Q&A with Local Makers: Meet and chat with inspiring LGBTQ+ makers who are already part of the NextFab community. Make Connections: Network with fellow

Why replace it when you can repair it? In these popup Repair Fairs, the volunteers of the Philly Fixers Guild will help you fix your stuff, free of charge, and they’re ready for the challenge. Got tangled jewelry, IKEA furniture that needs assembling, or a vacuum cleaner that’s on the fritz? Sit down with one of their volunteers and they’ll help you hands-on with fixing it. While they do have some limits, they encourage a read of their ground rules before bringing in your items. This independent collective of talented volunteers from differing technical backgrounds is committed to the idea of “repair rather than

Make Your Own Dog Tag Mon, Aug 26th, 2024 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Workshop Price: $99.00 per person or BOGO 50% off Join us on National Dog Day and make your dog some new bling! This beginner-friendly session provides a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of jewelry design and creation. 20% of proceeds will be donated to ACCT Philly who have saved over 7,125 lives in 2024. They are the region’s largest animal care and control provider handling nearly 18,000 animals, from dogs and cats to small animals, reptiles, birds, and wildlife, annually. In this workshop, you’ll: Learn jewelry-making

Join NextFab member and expert Matt Blackburn in North Philly as he shares insights from Blackburn Furniture where everything is made using traditional woodworking techniques including woodturning and carving. He specializes in built-to-order furniture from museum-quality reproductions to custom designs. Matt will be sharing some of his techniques through exciting demos to demystify the process – save your seat here! Preregistration is not required, but encouraged! 

Join us for a special Women’s Jewelry Association Open House in the Jewelry Studio at NextFab! What is the WJA? The Women’s Jewelry Association offers membership to a diverse group of working professionals in the jewelry industry including business owners, jewelry designers, retail associates, merchant buyers, watchmakers, and more! Their mission is to create and maintain a local forum to help peers develop personally and professionally by hosting networking and educational events throughout the year. If you are looking to make business connections, network about the jewelry industry, or get more details about what being a WJA member can bring to you,

We’ll be featuring the Fixers Guild Repair Fair for our first event of the year! Why replace it when you can repair it? In these popup Repair Fairs, the volunteers of the Philly Fixers Guild will help you fix your stuff, free of charge, and they’re ready for the challenge. Got tangled jewelry, IKEA furniture that needs assembling, or a vacuum cleaner that’s on the fritz? Sit down with one of their volunteers and they’ll help you hands-on with fixing it. While they do have some limits, they encourage a read of their ground rules before bringing in your items. This

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our upgraded shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community, be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month join us for: February Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair!

Try your hand at jewelry-making at NextFab’s open-to-the-public workshop. This beginner-friendly session is an opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day with fellow makers, providing a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of jewelry design and creation. In this workshop, you’ll: - Design and create your Valentine’s Day piece: craft a unique pendant, pair of earrings, or keychain to take home and cherish. - Learn jewelry-making basics: Gain a fundamental understanding of essential jewelry-making tools, materials, and processes. - Explore NextFab’s Jewelry Studio: Get familiar with the studio’s equipment and resources available for your future jewelry-making endeavors. This workshop is ideal for:

NextFab South Philly is opening its doors for a two-day sale of equipment, tools, furniture, and materials as we move to our new location. This is your chance to acquire high-quality items at discounted prices. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your workshop, start a new project, or simply find some unique pieces, this sale has something for everyone. On Saturday, February 22nd, NextFab members get exclusive access to our pre-sale for a chance to browse the selection before anyone else and snag the best deals. On Sunday, February 23rd, we’ll open the sale up to the public. Come explore our

NextFab South Philly is opening its doors for a two-day sale of equipment, tools, furniture, and materials as we move to our new location. This is your chance to acquire high-quality items at discounted prices. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your workshop, start a new project, or simply find some unique pieces, this sale has something for everyone. On Saturday, February 22nd, NextFab members get exclusive access to our pre-sale for a chance to browse the selection before anyone else and snag the best deals. On Sunday, February 23rd, we’ll open the sale up to the public. Come explore our

Calling all teachers, educators, and those looking to bring STEM education to their communities. NextFab, alongside STEM Ed Consulting, are hosting a day of learning and professional development to engage educators serving diverse populations. This one-day event will be hosted at NextFab, at 1800 N American St, in Philadelphia, where participants will work hands-on, learning how to start or level up their makerspace, connect with other educators and makers, and take home a customized project. Starting with a tour of NextFab, our technical experts will lead hands-on workshops to help participants make either a custom leather accessory, cheeseboard, or piece

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our upgraded shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community, be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month join us for: April Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair!

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our upgraded shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community, be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: June Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair!

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our upgraded shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month, we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community. Be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: July Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair!

Scott Keeley is a registered patent agent with 12 years of experience in intellectual property. He has engineered products from guitars to wind turbines, with “green” energy powering much of his innovative output. His early career of 18 years centered on industrial design in the United States and Europe. He taught industrial design at the Kansas City Art Institute and has a Master’s in Industrial Design. Scott will be available in our NextFab conference room on Thursday, July 10th, from 6-8 pm for free consultations to both members and open to the public (drop-ins welcome!).

Get an Exclusive Look at the WARP Residency! Join us at NextFab on Saturday, July 12, from 10 AM to 1 PM for a unique opportunity to dive into the 2025 Windgate Arts Residency Program (WARP)! The public is invited into our Windgate Fellows shop to meet the talented resident fellows and get a firsthand look at their incredible concepts and works in progress. Whether it’s woodworking, film, writing, or other amazing documentation, you’ll hear all about what they’ve been creating. The Museum for Art in Wood’s international residency program is celebrating its 28th year, fostering intensive research, discussions, studio

Ready to transform your world with a little extra love? Join us for an inspiring Collage Workshop led by artist Yannick Lowery! In this hands-on session, you’ll explore what love looks like in your own community – from your home to your block, and everywhere in between. Bring your personal images, magazine clippings, and drawings to create a powerful collage that visually tells your story of love, healing, and joy. This isn’t just art for art’s sake; it’s about reimagining the places you call home. This workshop is part of the exciting NextFab x Leeway Artist-in-Residence project with jasmine lynea,

Apply to NextFab’s Artisan Accelerator Program, a 12-week experience designed to provide current and aspiring creative entrepreneurs who create physical products with business education, access to resources, and community support to build viable businesses. The program includes a full year of access to NextFab’s studios. Register Here About this Info Session An open house and information session will be held at NextFab (1800 N. American St.) on Tuesday, August 12th at 6:00 pm to help applicants understand the qualifications and resources available, and to address logistical questions in applying for this year’s Artisan Accelerator. This program is free to apply

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our upgraded shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month, we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community. Be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: August Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair! Get

Ready to Elevate Your Creative Business Online? Meet Samantha Sineni, owner of FORMATION. Media, a digital marketing expert with a decade of experience specializing in social media, integrated marketing, and business intelligence analytics. Samantha’s passion for the arts drives her agency, helping professionals in creative industries thrive online. FORMATION. Media is a full-service digital marketing agency, focused on growing brands online for professionals in creative industries. If you need help getting started or feel like it’s time to scale up, they can help. Their core services are branding, websites, social media content and strategy, paid social, and SEM. They’re designed to guide

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our upgraded shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month, we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community. Be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: September Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair! Get

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our upgraded shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month, we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community. Be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: October Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair! Get

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the artists of NextFab during the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST), organized by the Center for Emerging Visual Artists. Meet and chat with some of our talented member artists—including Kevin Huang, Shelly Rabuse, Maria Schneider, Kirk Fromm, and Alan Levine—as they open their studios and demonstrate their creative process. This is your chance to see unique work and explore the dynamic energy. Join Shelly on Saturday to create your own repurposed bead stretch bracelet craft. She’ll supply some colorful bounty of beads—many of them repurposed and vintage—so you can design and create your very own

Mark your calendars! The 5th Annual Miracle on American Street Holiday Gift Market, bigger and better than ever, is coming to NextFab on Saturday, November 22nd, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Shop from over 80+ local vendors, with festive fun for all ages! Find handmade, unique, and creative gifts for everyone on your list from a dazzling array of everything from jewelry and clothing to home décor and delicious treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to sip and shop while supporting talented artisans in our own community.   Vendors include: Proper Goods ClockOptix Thee Coffee Gurl m.a.b.e.l Fwens Chachi Studios

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month, we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community. Be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: January Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair! Get

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month, we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community. Be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: February Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair! Get hands-on

Join us on Sunday, February 15th, for a community gathering dedicated to sustainable creating! We’ve partnered with our friends at The Resource Exchange to help you clear out your sewing room and find new-to-you treasures. Whether you have extra yardage, vintage buttons, zippers, or patterns gathering dust, bring them along and swap, sell, or donate them for something that sparks your next project. It’s the perfect way to declutter responsibly and meet fellow makers in the North American St. creative community. Date: Sunday, February 15th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm Where: The Wheelhouse, 1800 N. American St. Cost: Free to attend!

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month, we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community. Be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: March Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair! Get

Gallery Talk: Winter Residency Fellow Lin Elkins Friday, March 13, 2026 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Free and open to the public Click HERE to RSVP Join us at NextFab for an intimate gallery talk with our 2026 Winter Residency Fellow, Lin Elkins. The Winter Residency is a collaboration between NextFab and the Museum for Art in Wood, designed specifically for Greater Philadelphia artists working in wood. Over the past two months, Lin has utilized NextFab’s resources and community to push the boundaries of her craft. This evening’s talk offers a firsthand look at the work created during her

Learn to craft authentic, compelling narratives to stand out in applications, websites, and creative opportunities. Open opportunities are available for artists and makers year-round, but fall and winter have a host of deadlines for residencies, festivals, and major opportunities the following year. Get your packet ready with the same care, consideration, and enthusiasm you bring to your studio practice, and you’ll set yourself up for success. Join Morgan Hobbs, owner of Structure and Form Artist Services, to discuss writing about your work. Hobbs’ experience working with artists gives her unique insight into common pitfalls in the writing process and how even

Got unwanted jeweler’s stones or deadstock? Looking for stones, tools, or displays? Or do you want to meet other jewelry makers in Philadelphia? Join us on Thursday, April 30th, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in this open-to-the-public Jeweler to Jeweler event at NextFab! This is an opportunity to meet new friends, see the NextFab jewelry studio, and buy, sell, and trade stones, tools, and/or displays. Come as you are with or without goodies – you may leave with some new treasures! Light refreshments will be served.  Bring what you have, swap for new to you goodies, or just shop! Meet

Kick off the 11th Mechanism National Gathering with an evening of networking, workshop tours, and community building at NextFab. Meet the innovators, makers, and leaders reimagining the future of local production before the main conference begins. Event Details Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Location: NextFab | 1800 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 Cost: $25 About the Reception Before the main sessions at BOK begin, join us at NextFab to set the stage for three days of transformation. This is a chance to see our community in action and connect with fellow attendees who

Join the NextFab community at our monthly Open House! Tour our spacious facility, and meet our talented members, while discovering how you can turn your ideas into reality. Explore our shops, including textiles, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Learn about membership, classes, and how NextFab can help you create. Each month, we will be highlighting specific members and partners of our community. Be sure to check back each month for our highlights! Light drinks and refreshments will be provided. This month, join us for: May Repair Fair: Give your broken items a second life at the Fixers Guild’s Repair Fair! Get hands-on

Learn how to put your business out there online without feeling like you’re drowning in notifications. Social media, email lists, websites, newsletters; the list of places you’re “supposed to be” online never seems to stop growing. For many creative entrepreneurs, the result isn’t visibility. It’s paralysis. In this virtual session, business coach Kate Gilbert cuts through the noise to help makers and small business owners build a sustainable, intentional online presence that actually fits their life and business. Drawing on over a decade of running Twist Collective, a successful online knitting magazine, Kate knows firsthand how to show up consistently without burning