Arts organizations combine under MakerSphere banner
February 14, 2021 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
MakerSphere leaders outside the Foundry Street arts center: (left to right) Board members David McPhee, Brian Schwartz, John Bauer, MK Monley; Seminary Arts founder Mame McKee; MakerSphere education committee members Wade Hodge and Marianne Corcoran; board member Don Schneider. Courtesy photo.
The board of directors of the Waterbury Area MakerSphere Cooperative announced this week that MakerSphere has acquired Seminary Arts in Waterbury Center.
The formal acquisition completes the combination of the two creative organizations into a single nonprofit after they have worked in tandem since the formation of MakerSphere in 2019.
“While this is the result of many months of deliberation, we rejoice in our decision to now have this wonderful, community-supported asset under the MakerSphere umbrella,” said MakerSphere board Chair John Bauer. “Due to Covid restrictions, we cannot host a grand opening at this time. However, visit our website for more information on remote classes and studio rentals.”
MakerSphere is located on Foundry Street with studio space for rent. The center is dedicated to an array of creative and artistic programs and classes for all ages with instructors from the local arts and maker community.
Seminary Arts founder Mame McKee has been part of the core group that established MakerSphere. The Seminary Arts space on Hollow Road in Waterbury Center has been a satellite MakerSphere location with a focus on pottery, ceramics, fiber arts and woodworking.
“I am thrilled the programs of Seminary Arts now go forward to grow and evolve within MakerSphere,” McKee said in the merger announcement.
“The very dedicated and hardworking board of directors has been great to work with during the transition. I am very excited for the art and making opportunities that are developing in our region.”
McKee said she will remain involved as programs continue now as one organization. “I look forward to being a perpetual student and occasional teacher,” she said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted MakerSphere and Seminary Arts over the past 10 months to shift programming from in-person instruction to virtual formats. That continues with online registration for classes at makerspherevt.com.