The word is out! We’re moving and EXPANDING.

Coming Fall 2024….

Below is an informational statement we released to all current Alchemy Studio Members. Please feel free to email us with questions: connect@alchemystudiocle.com

4806 Hamilton Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114

Which brings us to The Maker…

We are thrilled to share that Alchemy Studio is taking the next step in our journey by moving to a magnificent 10,360 sq. ft. warehouse loft on the fourth floor of the iconic Maker Building. The Maker Building located in Cleveland is a beautiful historic landmark that once served as the headquarters of the Cleveland Twist Drill Company. Since 1876, the company had been a powerhouse in the city, and in 1888, it moved to the Lakeside address to expand its operations. Over the years, it became the world's largest manufacturer of high-speed drills and reamers. In 1968, the company merged with the National Acme Co and continued to operate as the Acme-Cleveland Corporation. However, in 1994, the Cleveland Twist Drill Company was sold to a competitor and eventually went out of business. While most of the manufacturing was done down the street in what is now known as "The Twist" building, the Maker building was primarily used for production storage and logistics. Today, The Twist building has been transformed into a creative hub, providing 400,000 square feet of commercial space for artists, designers, and creative businesses. The Maker building, at nearly 60,000 square feet, is also becoming a popular destination for artists, creatives, makers, and community-driven programs. It is home to Skidmark Garage, Motogo Cleveland, Recess Cleveland, and soon Alchemy Studio. Cleveland is proud to have such rich historical landmarks that continue to evolve and contribute to the city's vibrant culture. Alchemy is incredibly proud to have a voice and place in this cultural renaissance.

Current Residents at The Maker

Skidmark Garage & Motogo Cleveland

Owned and operated by husband and wife team, Brian Shaffran & Molly Vaughn

https://www.skidmarkgarage.com

About Skidmark Garage - Floor 1

Skidmark Garage is a 10,000 sq. ft. community motorcycle garage where you can work on your motorcycle. They provide the tools, space, and community to assist you with your project. Skidmark Garage is owned by Brian Schaffran, a former high school math and history teacher and a current Motogo coach. In the 1990’s after leaving Ohio University 2 years shy of graduation, Brian Schaffran drove cross country in a VW bus that broke down...a lot. A kind mechanic in Los Angeles took pity on the young man and began to lend him tools to fix it himself. He dreamed that one day he could pay this kindness forward and have his own place where people could come in and use tools and space he’d provide for them to fix up their own ride.

In 2013 Brian took a leap of faith and quit his full-time teaching job to revisit the dream and a year later, opened Skidmark Garage, a Community DIY Motorcycle Garage. This safe place for people from diverse backgrounds to work side by side on motorcycles, or “whatever is broken,'' has become a staple in the Cleveland Makers Movement. Out of the success Skidmark Garage found in building an inclusive community, Brian and his wife Molly Vaughan knew it was time to provide the same opportunity to students and founded Motogo. Brian is Motogo’s first Head Coach.

MOTOGO CLEVELAND

Motogo Cleveland - Floor 3

https://motogocleveland.com

Motogo Cleveland states their mission as ”We teach kids to solve problems through Motorcycles” and their vision is “to spark confidence in all people to build their own future”. Their core values are both their identity and their promise, defining and motivating every action they take. Hanging these on a wall isn’t enough, they continuously remind themselves to live into these values every day.

Equity: They strive to create a culture of equity by intentionally including communities of color, women, the LGBTQ community, families of modest means, and other marginalized populations.

Working with Your Hands: They believe solving problems by working with your hands awakens a desire for life-long learning.

Self-Confidence: They create a safe environment for people to build self-confidence from their many successes as well as their failures, resulting in the purest form of confidence.

Authenticity: Genuine, honest work requires vulnerability. Students, coaches, and staff are encouraged to be brave and bring their whole selves to all aspects of this organization.

Community: Motogo believes everyone has something to contribute to this team. All are welcome who welcome all.

Motogo Cleveland’s executive director, Molly Vaughn graduated from John Carroll University in 2003 with a degree in Physical Education and a double minor in Poetry and Fashion Design. At JCU Vaughan was captain of the softball team, completed Southern Cross University’s Semester Outback and the National Outdoor Leadership School’s (NOLS) Wind River Wilderness Expedition. In 2014 Vaughan's friend Brian Schaffran dreamed of opening what he called a DIY “Community Motorcycle Garage.” Over the next 4 years, Molly used her photography skills to build the “Skidmarketing Team” which brought Skidmark Garage into the public eye. The success of the garage inspired Molly to co-found the non-profit educational program Motogo, and inspired Schaffran to marry Vaughan.

RECESS CLEVELAND

Recess Cleveland - Floor 2

https://www.recesscleveland.com

Recess Cleveland is a family entertainment center featuring our rotating attractions including dodgeball/gellyball courts, bounce gyms, soft play area, recessLabs STEM space, and other fun play activities. The recessROOM, located in The Maker Building, is an initiative by Recess Cleveland, which aims to revolutionize the way communities engage with play and learning. Their mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and dynamic space where individuals of all ages can come together to enjoy recreational activities, explore creative pursuits, and participate in educational workshops. They are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes physical health, mental well-being, and social cohesion through the power of play. Their vision for the recessROOM is to create a cornerstone for community engagement, where the joy of play and the value of education intersect in a vibrant, welcoming environment. They envision a space that not only serves as a playground for the body and mind but also acts as a catalyst for community development, bringing together diverse groups to celebrate and learn from one another. Through the recessROOM, they aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning, creativity, and healthy living.

The Neighborhood - St. Clair Superior

https://www.stclairsuperior.org

St. Clair Superior is quickly becoming one of Cleveland’s most Diverse Lakefront neighborhoods! Committed to uplifting rich culture - sparking community development in the heart of our city. St. Clair Superior is home to dozens of small businesses, nonprofits, restaurants, art studios, and manufacturers.

Vision: The provision of affordable spaces for artists and small businesses in a mixed-use environment which also benefits from its proximity to Lake Erie is a cornerstone for revitalizing St. Clair-Superior. Among the development opportunities and initiatives currently underway are the following:

● reinforce St. Clair Avenue as the neighborhood’s premier retail district through streetscape and pedestrian enhancements

● create a presence and appreciation for arts and culture in the St Clair-Superior neighborhood through the establishment of an arts district

● encourage the reuse of upper-floor living areas above commercial uses to create live-work environments

● renovate underutilized warehouses and commercial buildings for adaptable reuse such as housing or other entrepreneurial endeavors

● connect St. Clair-Superior to the lakefront and Rockefeller Park through bicycle and pedestrian amenities as called out in the Waterfront Plan

● provide the necessary basic amenities for residents in St Clair-Superior such as shopping and better access to recreation

● target housing programs around the St. Vitus area

Safety: St. Clair Superior is a diverse Cleveland neighborhood known for its rich history and cultural festivals. Invested in community safety, it is one of the fastest-growing mixed-use neighborhoods in Cleveland. Renovation and demolition of vacant and abandoned properties, infrastructure investments, and community and economic development initiatives helped reduce St. Clair Superior’s crime rates by 20% from 2014 to 2018 and the downward trend continues to improve. The result is a community with crime rates similar to Ohio City and Tremont.

Accessibility: St. Clair Superior is one of Cleveland’s most well-connected neighborhoods with rapid access to Downtown Cleveland and University Circle. In addition to the major East-West thoroughfares of St. Clair and Superior Avenues, the neighborhood has easy access to the shoreway, interstates, and major transit lines to the South.

Goals for Alchemy at The Maker

1. Expand all of Alchemy’s current programming which includes:

a. Larger and more functional Ceramics Studio for open studio access, classes, workshops, and events.

b. Larger and more private Yoga space allowing for expanded classes, workshops, events, and studio rental for independent teachers.

c. Official launch and expansion of the Alchemy Apothecary to include a wide selection of plant medicine products, ritual tools, spiritual and philosophical books, herbal consultations, and classes.

d. Continuation of the Alchemy Vintage and Antiques shop

e. Expansion of the Alchemy Art Gallery to include rotating exhibitions, themed events, and immersive experiences

2. Introduce new programming including but not limited to:

a. Opportunities for local artists to rent personal/private studio and retail space.

b. A unique Co-Working area for students, artists, and mobile professionals.

c. A kitchen, dining, and lounge area for all Alchemy employees, artists, students, and members to relax, host small events/meetings, and use for classes, book clubs, art discussions, and social gatherings.

d. An extensive in-house library offering access to a wide range of literature

e. A rotating and immersive Art Gallery for in-house shows as well as local artist installations

f. An expanded Art program to include a variety of mediums, classes, discussion groups, and events.

g. Frequent themed events including “first Fridays” showcasing resident artists, seasonal open house events, VIP events, local art openings, spoken word and music nights, and holiday shows.

h. Launch of the Alchemy Online store

i. New partnerships with like-minded small businesses for collaboration opportunities and events

“Work in progress” photos…. After photos to come!

Lake View windows - dining, lounge, and kitchen area.

Central gallery facing North. Future home to rotating art installations, ceramics studio, Vintage & Antique shop, & Apothecary

Central gallery facing South. Future home to private artist studios & Ashtanga Yoga Cleveland

Future home of the Alchemy kitchen, members dining & lounge, library, and apothecary

Future home to Alchemy Pottery Studio (facing Northeast)

Facing North and the future home to the Alchemy Vintage & Antiques Shop

Expansion of Alchemy Programming

I. Alchemy Ceramics Program

Our move to the Maker means more space for all programs and Ceramics will be getting a lot of attention.

● Larger and more functional layout

● Additional equipment including wheels, pug mill, a third kiln (2 year plan)

● Additional work tables

● Expanded shelving to include space for specialty firings (high fire, low fire,

programmed holds)

● Expanded dipping glaze selection

● Increased storage and personal shelf space

● Expanded classes beginner - advanced, workshops, and events such as regular open

studio sales, summer and holiday shows.

● Ceramics retail to include tools, glaze, clay, transfer paper, and supplies

II. Ashtanga Yoga Cleveland

Ashtanga Yoga Cleveland will continue its upward trajectory by expanding the Yoga

program.

● Eastern Facing Yoga space with a larger layout and more privacy

● Expanded practice hours and classes

● Unique workshops and events with resident and visiting teachers

● Meditation, reading & relaxation area

● Partnership with other Yoga studios and teachers to support Yoga Teacher Training

programs, continued education, and specialized classes

● Opportunities to rent space for both private and public classes and events

III. Alchemy Apothecary

The Alchemy Apothecary will expand and tie into the Alchemy kitchen.

● Increased offerings to include bulk dried herbs, teas, powders, pre-made and made-to-order formulations

● Additional products from current herbalists we work with and new selections from producers we trust

● Plant medicine classes such as tincture making, tea blending, skin care, Ayurveda, candlemaking, nutrition, and more!

● House-made ghee, bone broth, and seasonal herbal remedies

● Expanded selection of ritual tools such as incense, candles, crystals, smudges, spiritual and philosophical books, tarot cards, etc.

● Expanded selection of self-care products such as skin care, body oils, essential oils, and house-made bath products

IV. Alchemy Antiques, Vintage, and Art Gallery

We will continue to source, refurbish, and present beautiful antique and vintage treasures in our shop.

● Expansion of the Alchemy Art Gallery to include rotating exhibitions, themed events, and immersive experiences

● Larger furniture pieces

● Refurbished furniture & art

● Launch an online store for pick-up and shipping orders

● Expand used book library

● Launch consignment/buying program

V. Alchemy Private Studio Space

A new program will be the building out and launch of six private studio/workspaces for local artists/makers. We aim to provide affordable studio rental, community support and encouragement, and business mentorship. Email us for information: connect@alchemystudiocle.com
Opportunities will include:

● 100 - 500 square feet of studio space

● 24/7 studio access

● Ability to sell work in the Alchemy Retail gallery and/or out of personal studio

● Marketing, web, and social media features by Alchemy

● Personal studio signage on the Maker building directory and Alchemy signage

● Opportunities to host private events/shows as well as collaborate with Alchemy on full studio events

● Opportunities to teach classes in area of expertise

● Full access to Alchemy kitchen, lounge, and co-working spaces

VI. Alchemy Co-Working space

A new program will offer a co-working space including work desks, a lounge area, and a small meeting space. We aim to provide mobile workers, students, and members with a unique environment to work in that fosters creativity, inspiration, and community.

● Co-working memberships, day passes, and hourly rates

● Access to Alchemy Kitchen and lounge space

● Opportunities to hold small group meetings and events

● VIP invites to studio events

VII. Alchemy Kitchen, Dining, & Lounge

An expanded kitchen, dining, and lounge area for all Alchemy employees, artists, students, and members to relax, host small events/meetings, and use for classes, book clubs, art discussions, and social gatherings.

● Fully functional kitchen for daily use

● Two kitchen island areas for classes, events, and gatherings

● Dining area for personal use, small groups, events, and classes

● Lounge area for personal use, small groups, events, and classes

● Formulating area for the Alchemy Apothecary

● Partnerships with local chefs to create a selection of “grab and go” food and beverages

● A members-only selection of beverages including wine, beer, juice, tea, and sparkling water.

VIII. Alchemy Library

We’ll be building out an extensive in-house library offering access to a wide range of literature.

● Akin to a public library we’ll have opportunities for members to “check out”selections from our book collection

● Community programs for donating used books

● Community book sales and “free book” days for kids and young adults

● Ongoing book club gatherings

● Reading programs for kids and young adults

IX. Alchemy Art Gallery

Expansion of our current art collection to include a rotating and immersive gallery for in-house shows and exhibits, as well as local artist installations.

● Support of local artists and resident Alchemy artists/members; providing opportunities to host art openings, extended shows, and immersive events

● Expansion of specially curated antique and vintage art

● Rotating themes and period exhibits

● In-house refurbishing of antique/vintage frames; matting & framing of prints

X. Alchemy Art Programs

We’re excited to launch an expanded Art program to include a variety of mediums, classes, discussion groups, and events for kids, young adults, and adults!

● New classes including but not limited to: painting, drawing, writing, silk screening, jewelry making, collaging, book binding, and more

● Monthly art discussion, education, and critique groups

● Opportunities for resident artists to offer classes and workshops

● Art Library - books, supplies, and materials for member and student use for projects

● Art Classes & Wine tastings

● Specially curated classes and events for private groups

● Collaboration with schools to provide immersive field trip experiences

● Collaboration with local businesses to provide immersive wellness and team-building outings for employees

XI. Alchemy Events

We are excited to host regular events in the space - large and small scale

● Members showcase - rotating features of resident artist work

● Friends and Family events

● “First Fridays” monthly open house events

● Seasonal “holiday” shows - akin to the Art Walk

● Immersive art events

● Collaborative events with organizations such as Ingenuity Fest

● Collaborative events with the neighborhood art collectives for weekend Art Walks

● Collaborative events with our building mates

● Community events and outreach to underserved populations; food drives, food truck events, spaghetti dinners etc.

● Volunteer events to support homeless, hungry, displaced, abused, in need children, adults, and animals!

● Movie nights

● Wine tastings & art class

● Plays and music nights

XII. Alchemy Online

We are working hard to build and open an official online store for all of our gallery items. Future additions will include house-made apothecary products, resident artist work, and bi-monthly subscriptions to include apothecary items, ceramics, art, books, and more!

F. A. Q

1. Is there parking?

Yes. The Maker building has a fenced lot designated for employees, members, and patrons of the building. There is also plenty of street parking directly outside of the building.

2. Is there an elevator?

Yes. There is a freight elevator that allows passenger use.

3. Does the building have security?

The building has exterior cameras and an alarm system. We will be installing a smart lock on our door and may install cameras (tbd)

4. What are the building’s hours?

We will have 24/7 access to the building. Each member will be provided with a security code for building access and a PIN for our smart lock.

5. Can we bring friends to open studio (ceramics) ?

We are creating a “friends and family” pass for members who would like to bring someone to throw or handbuild during open studio time. All guests will be required to sign a waiver and pay a day pass fee.

6. Can friends and family hang out in the studio during class and/or open studio

time?

Yes. Friends, family, and well behaved kiddos can hang out in the lounge, kitchen, or dining area while members are working and/or in class. All guests will be required to sign a waiver and will be (for the most part) un-supervised.

7. Can I bring my pet to the studio?

We LOVE animals - And - we want to be cognizant and respectful of those who don’t. If you’re stopping by for a visit and bring your furry friend, please keep them on a leash. If you’re staying for a spell and wish to bring your furry friend please email us before hand so we can assess each and every circumstance.

8. Is The Maker going to be amazing?

Yes.