The Maker Lab: A New Home for Craft in Downtown Florence
Two years after Alabama Chanin, The School of Making, and Project Threadways united as one organization, we're entering our next chapter: The Maker Lab, a new headquarters and community space at 302 East College Street.
The Maker Lab will be a home for making, gathering, and exploring the past, present, and future of craft, expanding access and carrying this work forward for generations.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Hands-on classes in sewing, embroidery, and more for 100+ participants, with scholarships available
Exhibitions, public history projects, and symposia on sustainability, design, and textile culture
A community gathering space with café and retail showcasing local craft
OUR PROGRESS
In late 2025, thanks to donations, multi-year pledges, grants, and historic tax credits, we hit our Phase One goal of $2.8 million and broke ground in January 2026. We're deeply grateful to the foundations, agencies, and individual donors making this possible.
WHAT’S NEXT
We're aiming for a grand opening in March 2027. Remaining funds will go toward artisan studios, workshop spaces, equipment, and instructional resources as we work toward our Phase 2 goal of $1.5 million.
Join us in bringing this vision to life. Donate to the capital campaign today.
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