A Grown-Up Shop Class in RiNo
Whether you’re seasoned with skills or an aspiring beginner, learn from the pros in this interactive and industrial space
Like many Gen Xers, Diane Nagler grew up loving shop class. As an adult, she looked—to no avail—for recreational woodworking, welding and industrial-arts experiences in Denver, similar to what she enjoyed in high school. So, earlier this year, Nagler opened MADEwkshop in RiNo, with the tagline “Old-school shop class, made modern, fun and social.”
Artists and craftspeople lead participants through projects that use blowtorches, welders, plasma cutters, grinders and other wood-shop tools. “You get to learn new skills from the experts, play with power tools, and make art, furniture and décor you’ll be proud of,” Nagler says. She has also found a way to give back the community with social-impact projects that serve local nonprofits by making items for people in need.
Classes start at $80; and include projects both purely recreational (free-form sculpture, a chess game) and very practical (a pet food-and-beverage station, bar stools). The fee covers all materials and instruction, plus your own work gloves to take home.
