The Denver Tool Library is looking for an experienced fundraising coordinator to develop and lead our fall/winter fundraising initiative. If successful, we may be able to offer a more permanent position running seasonal fundraising events and online campaigns for DTL. If you have experience in fundraising and want to be a part of a real cool team, head on over to denvertoollibrary.org/jobs for position details and how to apply. The application deadline is 9/12/23. Thanks!
Jessie Met Mercury Stardust!
Tool Library Coordinator Jessie waited in a line longer than Splash Mountain's to meet @mercurystardusttopz during her book signing at @tatteredcoverbookstore. If you aren't familiar with Mercury Stardust, she's The Trans Handy Ma'am who (in Jessie's words) is out to destroy dude-bro tool culture.
Jessie managed to score a signed copy of "Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair" which you should totally Google, as well as a signed pic that's now hanging on our Gold Member Board. We're stoked to have you as an honorary Tool Library Member, Mercury!
Class Spotlight! Portrait Oil Painting
Portrait Oil Painting. Next class is this Monday 8/28 @5:30pm.
Installing drywall is useful and all, but how often to do create something solely for the sake of art? Learn to create realism while listening to your intuition, and expressing yourself freely with Jen Starling (@jenstarlingart)! All skill levels are welcome from total beginner to advanced.
During this three hour class we will go through the step by step process of completing an oil portrait. We will use a reference photo that I will send you. We will focus on correct proportions, composition, and paint application. You will watch me paint, work on your painting, and receive feedback. You will be encouraged to find your personal creative voice, listen to your instincts, and play!
Why take an art class like oil painting? You’ll get a better understanding of color theory and design that they can apply to many different areas (like figuring out what colors to paint that drywall). Oil painting is proven to help you cope with stress, trauma, and increase self-esteem. Practicing art can boost your day-to-day creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Learn a new skill, meet like minded folks, and take home something you create. We hope to see you in class!
Open Workshop will be CLOSED 8/26
Open Workshop Hours will be CLOSED this Saturday, 8/26 from 10am-3pm. Tool Library hours and scheduled classes will not be changed.
We are in the process of onboarding a new totally super cool shop monitor (deets on that soon), however for this Saturday we simply don’t have anyone who is trained to safely show y’all how to use our machines while you work on your projects. Open Shop will be running during its normally hours again starting Thursday, 8/31.
Shop Monitor Tomas is Leaving!
Shop Monitor Tomas is a traitor and got a cool job elsewhere. Just kidding - many congrats on the new job Tomas!
You may recognize Tomas (Instagram @north20woodworkingco) as the Saturday guy covered in sawdust corralling hordes of Community Open Shop patrons while they safely make rips and cuts, routes and planes for their projects. His last day was Saturday so we loaded him up with donuts and balloons and sent him on his way. If you love Tomas as much as we do, don’t worry! He will still be teaching some of our woodworking classes like Floating Shelves and Picture Frame Building, so sign up for a class and tell him he’s a traitor that his wood wielding expertise that he shared with the community was and is much appreciated! Thanks Tomas!
Thanks Topo Chico!
Big thanks to @topochicousa and @detour303 for stopping by our shop recently and getting some eyes on us. Check out this video they made of “The Mile High City’s Hidden Gems” that features us as well as fantastic local shops @lawrenceandlarimer @dazzle_denver @grandmasbeerco @ryanjosephgallery
Class Spotlight! Knowing Your Car
Knowing Your Car. Next class is this Sunday 8/20 @ 5pm.
We spend on average 17,600 minutes in our cars per year! Why not learn about how it gets you from point A to point B? In this class you will learn the basics of automotive function and how to care for your own vehicle in a mixed lecture and practical style class so get ready to get down and dirty under the hood.
We will be covering automotive maintenance and repair concepts for the student with little or no background in the automotive field. You will be learning a variety of major vehicle components including; theory of operation, intake systems, fuel delivery, ignition and charging systems, engine cooling, basic maintenance, roadside emergency procedure, and how not to get ripped off by your mechanic!
Learn what's what under the hood of your car and never again be nervous about that weird light on your dash, or that not so inconspicuous fluid stain in the driveway!
We're Hiring! Shop Monitor for Saturday Shifts
The Denver Tool Library is hiring a part-time woodshop monitor for our Saturday 10am - 3pm shifts. This person would oversee our community open workshop hours making sure people are safe and properly using our industrial woodworking machines while they work on their projects. If you know your way around a woodshop and you’re into teaching others how to woodwork, we’d love to hear from you! For position details and how to apply, please visit denvertoollibrary.org/jobs.
Class Spotlight! Moss Box Wall Art
Moss Box Wall Art. Next class is 8/19 @ 4pm
Do you find yourself daydreaming of the mountains? Are you naturally drawn to the calming effects of lush, green scenery? Do you wish you lived in The Shire? Look no further! In this class, you'll learn to make Moss Box Wall Art, a piece of nature for your indoor space. All skill levels welcome.
About the Teacher
Hiii everyone! My name is Liz. I started making Moss Boxes in 2020, during the pandemic. Being a nurse during COVID means wildly stressful times. Amidst the chaos, I was looking for something, some sort of hobby, to bring me back to the present moment. I wanted to just zone out and make something nice. Also, I wanted a piece of natural art that you can... well... just stare at for awhile... something that takes you away. What you see is the result of a stressed out Nurse finding peace through making Moss Boxes in her garage. And once I started, I haven't been able to stop. I really love making Moss Boxes. Check out Liz’s work at denvermosscreature.com or on Instagram @denvermosscreature
We’re Having a Fashion Show!
We’re having a fashion show! Join us on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 6 - 8 PM for our Stitched Access Fashion Show hosted by Town Hall Collaborative!
Access Gallery is excited to announce its inaugural fashion showcase titled Stitched Access and presented by participating artists of Access Gallery’s first-ever fashion residency. Thanks to the generous funding received from the Creative Ideas Fund and in partnership with the Denver Tool Library, participants were able to develop their skills and knowledge in the world of fashion. Our event is a celebration of inclusivity, creativity, and empowerment through art, community, and fashion that empowers individuals with disabilities. It is the culmination of Access Gallery’s fashion residency that began in October of 2022. Join us for a night of fashion where you will learn the personal stories of Access Gallery artists, gain insight into their creative journeys, connect with community members, and be awed as each artist models their own creations down the runway. The showcase will also feature local design shop Lawrence and Larimer Clothing + Supply Co. who will be sharing their garments and ethos.
Access Gallery is an inclusive non profit organization that engages the community by opening doors to creative, educational, and economic opportunities for people with disabilities to access, experience, and benefit from the arts.
Denver Tool Library is a non-profit that provides the Denver metro area with low cost access to tools and the know-how to use them, all in a safe and supportive environment. DTL supports artists and local teachers that provide a huge variety of classes for the community!
Town Hall Collaborative is a women-owned community gathering space that features a bar, events, live music, and a creative space for classes and artists to share their mission and work.
Lawrence and Larimer Clothing + Supply Co. is a creative brand in Denver, CO. They place a strong focus on producing high-quality products that creatives can live in while building a lifestyle that feels good, is full of love and can be enjoyed, all the while building community. From clothing to home goods, they are a staple brand uniquely their own and inspired by the world.
Fashion Resident Artists: Enchanted Dichotomy, Jaida, Michelle, Rose, Skylar K., Stephen Ray Esparza
Teaching Artists: Karli Beedle, Jackie Drummond
