Adult Programs
Adult Programs
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Assemble has hosted programs for adults since at least 2017, but 2023 saw unprecedented expansion of these programs: 221 adults across 21+ Nights, Two Frays Crafts & Crafts, and 18+ Queer Craft Nights. As these programs continue to establish themselves as mainstays in the Pittsburgh maker landscape, we thought it was high time to feature them in our annual report!
While Assemble is best known for its STEAM programs for youth, we feel it is important to serve adults as well. According to Evelyn Lienhard, the Adult Programs Coordinator Assemble hired in May 2023, the purpose of adult programs at Assemble is to build community: “Everyone is a learner, right? It's not just kids who are learning. It's not just kids who are adapting to this new world. It's not just kids who need community. My goal with these programs is to build out Assemble as a safe place for anyone, no matter how you identify. We're trying to be hyperlocal as well and create opportunities for people who live nearby, especially in Garfield. It's not just about coming in, learning a specific thing, and then taking it home and being done. It's just one part of an ongoing learning process: learning new things, learning with other people, finding that new craft that you like and you want to do more of. I think it's necessary, in this world that we're living in today, to know how to use our hands and who we can reach out to so that we can be less dependent on the system that isn't serving most people anymore.”
21+ Nights
The longest-running of Assemble’s adult programs, 21+ Nights feature a guest expert leading adults ages 21 and older in a making activity, while having alcoholic beverages and other refreshments available to lighten the mood. Some crafts, like making leather harnesses, were specifically aimed toward adults and their interests. Others, such as UV resin and origami jewelry, were more wide-ranging.
Adult participants at May 2023’s Crafts & Crafts at Two Frays Brewing. The theme: Nostalgia Night, including Perler bead and pony bead creations!
Two Frays Crafts & Crafts
Two Frays Crafts & Crafts events take place down the street from Assemble at Two Frays Brewing, a longtime partner of Assemble. Inspired by events like “Drink & Draw,” or “Paint & Sip,” these evenings involve doing a craft while drinking some craft beer (including non-alcoholic brews)! Some crafts in 2023 included needle felting, Frankenpets (taking apart stuffed animals and sewing them together in new ways!), and embroidering holiday ornaments.
18+ Queer Craft Nights
New in 2023, our 18+ Queer Craft Nights specifically provide a safe, sober space that includes the 18-20 crowd, filling a gap between teen programming and 21+ programming. Our very first Queer Craft Night in November 2023 featured improv quilting with guest expert Melissa Rogers. Attendance has been growing ever since!
Looking into the future, Evelyn is planning one adult program per week, enabling Assemble to regularly provide these opportunities for adult makers in our community!
For more information about the 2023 guest experts invited to facilitate our adult programs, please check out the list below via Instagram or email:
Alex Neal, soldering mini stained glass windows: @cosmikjest cosmikjest@gmail.com
Max Oddi, leather harnesses: @maximusleather maximusleatherworks@gmail.com
Albert Pantone, eco-papermaking: https://www.knotjustweeds.com/ avpantone@comcast.net
Melissa Rogers, improv quilting: @astropatterns m.s.rogers17@gmail.com
Kate Rose, leather plant hangers: @thechainedrose
Rebecca Harrison, mending: @oldflamemending rebecca@oldflamemending.com
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