If there’s one thing sorely lacking in today’s fast-paced, choice-choked society, it’s that the so-called ‘third space’ concept has vanished. Not so long ago, there were myriad places to be that weren’t work, home, or school. In these spaces, a person could find a comfy chair and a conversation, something to do, or all three.
Nicole Colunga has brought back the much-missed third space, and with creative flair. Her new makerspace, Chaos & Color, opened in grand fashion on Saturday, September 5, at 816 Main Street.
Radically Accessible Creativity
With one step across the threshold, customers are steeped in possibilities for self-expression. There are rainbows of paints, piles of palettes, and scores of sketchbooks. Visitors can knit, crochet, embroider, or sew. Colunga has equipment to make buttons, magnets, and pins for any cause or side hustle. For those wanting customized t-shirts, hats, or tumblers, there’s a heat press. There are jewelry-making supplies, and even a soldering iron.
When the Telegraph spoke with Colunga, she was busy transforming the space into a colorful haven for makers of all ages and stripes.
“One of the taglines I’ve been using is that I want this to be a place where creativity is radically accessible. You’re the person who says, ‘Oh, I can’t draw a straight line to save my life.’ Well, you don’t need to. There are rulers, but art is a lot of blobs and shapes and layers.”
In addition to offering a hub for crafty community members to gather and learn from each other, Colunga plans to facilitate creative growth in the community by holding classes and forming clubs.
“I want to be welcoming to people of all levels, whether that’s kids who are beginners… or whether that’s mom at 9 pm after she’s put her kids down, and now she has a little bit of time to focus on herself… or someone like me who is kind of a hobbyist-to-entrepreneur.”
One of the great features is that there are beginner, intermediate, and professional-grade materials for most crafts. To simplify the stock, everything is color-coded to correspond with the membership tier purchased.
There are plenty of recurring events. Kids and Family Craft Night takes place every Tuesday from 6-8PM, and kids’ admission is half off. Every Thursday from 5-7PM, Nicole hosts a still life drawing group.
For those who want a taste of the place or to sink their teeth into a new skill, Colunga has hourly and daily rates, as well as weekly and monthly membership options. Chaos & Color is open later on the weekends for adults-only time.
Dig the Digital Den
Past the cozy couches, through the rainbow-striped curtains, a visitor can sense the shapes of something else: the digital room.
Aspiring artists can co-work at one of the four computers, separated from the action of the main room.They can watch their designs come to life on the multi-color 3D-printer, or pour out their souls in the recording booth. There’s a green screen for video production.
There’s also an art printer that handles prints up to 11”x17”, a sticker printer, a Cricut, and a projector. Separate memberships for this space are available.
A Grand View for south KC’s Makers
Originally from northwestern Kansas, Colunga spent some time in Topeka on her way east. While living there, she worked at Studio 62 art bar, where one can paint, drink, and catch the occasional drag show. Her time at Studio 62 inspired the makerspace idea.
“I really loved being able to guide people through their paintings, and I just felt like my vision for (the makerspace) would be more expansive.”
Colunga moved to Grandview about a year and a half ago. Since then, she’s done what many fantasize about: she quit her day job to pursue her passions.
“It’s interesting; now that… I’m doing this — 7 am felt so early and I was so tired, but now I’m waking up at 7 am ready to come here because I’m passionate about it, because I’m looking forward to it.”
The complete crafting menu can be found at chaosandcolor.org.
