BeatRoute Magazine [AB] print e-edition - [May 2018]

The places and faces of East Town
the unique venues where the Get Down happens
FUSE33 MAKERSPACE
1720 Radisson Dr SE
Just off of International Avenue on 17th Ave.
and 33rd St. behind a Blaskin and Lane is
Calgary’s largest makerspace for artists and craft
workers, where the noise of people creating and
learning can be heard on any given day.
FUSE33 Makerspace is a large converted
repair shop with high ceilings filled with everything
a professional or amateur would need to
bring their imagination to life. In one room a giant,
purple hippo head made for Burning Man is
in a corner of a wood working area where artists
also build cutting boards and beautiful tables
made from 100 year-old oak. Just a few steps
over in another area sewing machines whizz and
whirl away along side of sculptures made using
3D printers.
Formed in partnership with United Way and
the Rotary Club to establish a community hub,
FUSE33 is where artists and inventors can come
hangout, connect, plan, create and host events.
Max Schlagel, the facility’s Managing Director,
takes care of the day to day operations while
helping artists hon their skills and learn a little
about basic accounting and business practices.
In turn, he’s picked up a few new tips himself.
“I’ve been learning a lot of things from people,
I shadow and help run some of our classes
like cutting boards. Which is why I can say now
I know how to make a cutting board,” notes
Schalgel happy about the skills he has gained
thanks to the community the space fosters.
The environment is focused on sharing
ideas and collaborations, and gaining new
experiences. It’s also designed for people to take
their ideas in new and exciting directions. For
instance, there’s the chainsaw sculptors who
have a hard time finding studio space, and the
oilfield welders who make metal jellyfish and
axes for renaissance fairs.
Currently renovations are taking place on
the second floor constructing offices for small
businesses to rent, as well as an open area to
hold events where artists are able to showcase
and sell their inventions.
“This place is for creativity, at its core, so many
individuals come through and with so many
things happening,” says Schlagel proudly.
• MIGUEL MORALES
Clockwise fron the top:
• Max Schalgel, Managing Director FUSE33
• 3D paper sculpture
• 3D printers
• One of the open workshop areas
all photos: Miguel Morales
34 | MAY 2018 • BEATROUTE
ROCKPILE