MakersSpace + Workshop

Hi! Im Jess and I'm the brains behind this mission here! Growing up, I was extremely creative. I would build everything i could, create worlds, drawings, 3D renders for school, and anything else I could make myself. At 18 I joined the Marine Corps and traveled the world not only for my country, but with a sketch book in hand. I had the privilege to draw and photograph cities and people that artists could only dream of. I was medically retired from the Marine Corps after 10 years of service. I was broken, not only in my body but my mind too. I was certain though that I wanted to stay in the creative world, so I went to University of North Carolina - Greensboro to get my BFA in sculptor and Ceramics with a concentration in metal fabrication. A few semesters in I purchased my first school bus to convert into a tiny home and art studio. A professor encouraged me to go out in the community and share our gifts of art. Some of the students began painting murals, or volunteering at the local art studios, but my community.. what was that? Veterans. I began volunteering at a local homeless shelter and recovery center. There I began my journey of teaching not only the joy of creating but that art of telling your story. During this time I was in recovery myself, finding my own path, and healing from the wounds of my service. It was here that i created The Paint Can Project. After my skoolie ( a school bus that is converted into a tiny house) I packed my kids up into that retired bus and started the most epic adventure I could provide my children. After years and years of driving the country, handing our ammo cans to veterans to tell their own stories through art ( see The Paint Can Project tab for more information!) After my children and I traveled the county, as high as Alaska and as low as Baja, it was time to grow some roots. Our family settled in the forest and an AFrame Cabin and I began to build. Because.. thats what I do. I had this dream that I could do what we did on the road but have a soft spot for others to land, drop their pack, and tell their stories.

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For the first couple of years i built a barn and filled it with animals, and then i built a small work shop and started hosting classes on how to build your own skoolies. Local families heard about my art degree and so I started teaching homeschoolers art and making. But that will work shop started to get too small! in 2025 I made a goal to build an actual WORKSHOP! like a really big one and start inviting the community to come and make. and thats where we are today! ready to make. The workshop + MakersSpace continues to grow, pieces continue to be built, and ideas continue to be made. 

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Whether you just want to get your hands dirty in some clay for a short class, or you want to master a skill we have something for you. 

Below are some of our services that we are starting to offer. We are always open to more ideas, classes, and groups to come to the property and experience this space.