Karyn's Fundraiser for the Roundhouse Expansion

“The world needs dreamers, and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach

I have dedicated nearly 9 years to building and growing the Truckee Roundhouse Community Makerspace into a sustainable arts resource and institution for the Truckee Tahoe Community. 

This year has been a BIG year of growth, both personally and for the organization. We have embarked on a construction journey to build nearly 2000 more sq ft of creative space, and I have learned more about building code and HVAC than I ever knew possible, and added to my quiver of skills: building project manager.

It was time for the Roundhouse to stretch to meet the growing demand of our community, and I am stretching too, learning new skills to meet the moment and contribute an even greater impact for our community.  We are dreaming of more space for more makers, more art, more creativity, and more community -- and raising the funds, and building it to be real. 

Your donation this year will help us reach our $165,000 year-end goal and help us build out 1100 additional square feet of making space and a 990 sq ft loft. The loft space will help us expand into new mediums like jewelry-making and stained glass! We also hope this expanded space will allow us to bring visiting artists and craftspeople to the area for weekend workshops.

The mission of the Truckee Roundhouse Community Makerspace is to support the teaching, learning, and practicing of a wide variety of crafts, skills, technologies, and arts in the Truckee-Tahoe region.

We achieve this by providing accessible (read: low fees) resources -- tools and teachers and programs -- in a collaborative environment for youth and adults. In our 4,680-square-foot renovated storage hanger at Truckee Tahoe Airport, we offer five fully functioning shops -- Wood, Metal, Textiles, Ceramics, and Technology with high-quality tools, including cutting edge CNC machines such as Laser Cutters, Plasma Cutters, and 3D printers.

I have seen how access to shared tools and resources can unlock the creative potential in our community. I have seen how art can heal a broken heart, how new friendships can open up opportunities for people from various backgrounds, and how the focus of dropping into a creative project can calm anxiety and fear. I have witnessed how the joy of making can transform a disengaged student into an avid designer, inventor, and creator.

We are more than a warehouse with tools; the Truckee Roundhouse is a place where we engage with those who make up our amazing community and bond over what connects us versus what divides us. 

Truly, together we can build incredible things. 

Join me in supporting this incredible community resource-- a space to unlock the inventor, the artist, and the creative genius in all of us.