Welcome to the Venango Makerspace
This space is dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration, and empowering our artistic entrepreneurs and others in the Venango County community to bring their creative ideas to life.
About Us
The Venango County Makerspace (VCM) is a project of the Venango County Economic Development Authority with its main location inside the newly redeveloped 100 Seneca Street building in Oil City.
The idea for the makerspace in our region was born in 2019 and soon became part of the overall plan for 100 Seneca. Currently located on the 5th floor of 100 Seneca, the Makerspace is situated alongside a coworking space, meeting rooms, the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, and the county’s economic development office. During 2025, the Makerspace will work to renovate and equip the 3rd floor of 100 Seneca, and will relocate to this 10,000 square foot space at some point in the hopefully not-too-far-away future.
Our Venango County Makerspace will be a regional, community facility that, when finished, will house shared tools, equipment, and space to use for creation of all kinds. Through meetings with local artists, hobbyists, professionals, small business owners, and others, we have compiled a list of tools that the Makerspace will look for over the coming year. This will include but not be limited to things like, woodworking equipment and tools, metalworking equipment and tools, sewing machines and fiber arts supplies, vacuum forming equipment, jewelry making supplies, stained glass supplies, an audio booth, 3D printers, a laser cutter, industrial studio space, and more.
As we gather with the community of makers in Venango County over the next many months through meetups and other events, we will learn more about needs in our area and will adjust our plans accordingly. Eventually the Makerspace will have membership options that will give access to certain perks like 24 hour access. In addition, membership fees will go toward helping the space grow through new equipment purchases, classes and workshops, events to showcase things made in the Makerspace, and things to make the user’s experience the best it can be.
Though some of the space will be restricted access only for those trained on equipment and 18 or older, a large part of the space will be safe for kids programming and for others who don’t wish to learn to use the heavier tools or machinery.
We are very much looking forward to getting to know the community and to seeing how we can best support the creative, entrepreneurial and small business needs of our friends and neighbors here in beautiful Venango County.
Let’s make some stuff!
Hundred Seneca
Membership
As we gather with the community of makers in Venango County over the next many months through meetups and other events, we will learn more about needs in our area and will adjust our plans accordingly.
Eventually the Makerspace will have membership options that will give access to certain perks like 24 hour access. In addition, membership fees will go toward helping the space grow through new equipment purchases, classes and workshops, events to showcase things made in the Makerspace, and things to make the user’s experience the best it can be.
Though some of the space will be restricted access only for those trained on equipment and 18 or older, a large part of the space will be safe for kids programming and for others who don’t wish to learn to use the heavier tools or machinery.
We are very much looking forward to getting to know the community and to seeing how we can best support the creative needs of our friends and neighbors here in beautiful Venango County. Let’s make some stuff!
Makerspace Resources
Since we do not yet have regular open hours, all equipment listed is currently only available on an appointment basis or during times when classes or meetups are scheduled and the space is open.
Currently, we have the following equipment in the Makerspace available for classes and limited public use:
The makerspace has three 3D Printers, mostly donations: a XYZ DaVinci Mini , a Fablicator SX Series and a Ultimaker Original . Though the XYZ and the Ultimaker are no longer produced, they are still functional printers. The printers are not yet available for public use, but will be in the near future. Classes on how to use them will also be offered soon.
(available for classes or by appointment)
This piece of equipment still needs a bit of maintenance, but will be available soon for classes.
(available for classes or by appointment)
Though we hope to offer classes about the Cricut soon, this is a very versatile piece of equipment you may already know how to use or can learn to use on your own through video tutorials. You are also welcome to buy and bring your own Cricut certified supplies to use with the machine. We will have basic tools as well as some materials available for purchase in the near future.
Getting Started With The Cricut Explore Air 2 & Easy DIY
(available for classes or by appointment)
Though we hope to offer sewing classes in the very near future, many people already have this skill and are welcome to come use the sewing machine on their own. Included below are the basics for getting started with threading the machine– after that it is much the same to use as other sewing machines.
How to thread your Janome Sewing Machine Part 1
How to thread your Janome Sewing Machine Part 2 (Inserting Bobbin)
The Makerspace is co-managed by:
Rafi Perez
Rafi Perez is a full-time visual artist, sculptor, and author known for his bold style and fearless creativity. With a background in painting, mixed media, sculpture, and public art, he takes a DIY approach to everything from gallery installations to large-scale murals.
His work explores empowerment, emotional resilience, and the human condition. He’s also a speaker and author who creates inspiring, humorous content on YouTube and Patreon to help artists embrace their creativity without perfectionism.
Klee Angelie
Klee Angelie is a multidisciplinary artist known for her handcrafted jewelry and soulful music. As a jewelry designer, she combines traditional techniques with organic forms, creating meaningful, symbolic pieces inspired by nature and mindfulness.
Also a vocalist and songwriter, Klee performs with the duo Better On The Drums, using music to explore connection, healing, and personal growth with the same intentionality she brings to her visual art.
Marcy Hall
A local artist and co-owner of Woods and River Coffee, Marcy has researched, worked in, and managed makerspaces for the last 10 years.