The Makerspace 97058 Has Found a Home!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: The Makerspace 97058 finally has a place to call home!

Thanks to the generosity and vision of Marlis Rufener, The Makerspace 97058 is partnering on a creative collaboration to develop a multi-use arts and makerspace on her beautiful property on Browns Creek Road—just five miles outside of The Dalles. Surrounded by trees, flowing water, and open skies, it’s the perfect setting for the creative community we’ve been dreaming of.

Our initial plans center around three main areas:

• The Workshop Building – This will be the heart of hands-on creativity, housing studios for woodwork, glass (both cold and warm), fiber arts, ceramics, and other soft materials. The building has water and electricity but needs some interior renovations—something we’re hoping to tackle with the help of community volunteers (yes, that means you!).

• The Garage – This space is ideal for metalworking and hot glass, giving our makers access to tools and techniques that require a bit more heat and grit.

• Outdoor Space – With 15 acres to explore and Browns Creek running through the property, we have room for clay pit firing, sculpture gardens, natural dye gardens, and more. The sky’s the limit, and we want your ideas.

Looking ahead, we may also activate:

• The Lodge – A flexible space that could serve as a meeting area, host artist residencies, or offer live/work spaces for creators.

• The Treehouses – More like lofts on stilts, these whimsical structures could support literary retreats, writing workshops, painting studios, and quiet creative reflection.

• The Big Barn – A dream in the making, the barn could be transformed into a collection of personal art studios—giving local artists a place to call their own.

  
  

We’re still in the early stages, but the potential is huge—and we want to build it with you. If you’re interested in volunteering to help fix up the Workshop building or want to help with fundraising, we’d love to hear from you. Just send us an email at themakerspace97058@gmail.com.

This space belongs to all of us. Let’s shape it together.

—The Makerspace 97058 Create. Connect. Community.