Grinnell College Community Grant Spotlight

Molding Creativity —Stew Makerspace Ceramics Studio

In spring 2022, the Stew Makerspace Ceramics Studio received $500 for the upgrade of ceramics equipment from Grinnell College Micro-Grant program, which considers smaller requests for support throughout the year on a case-by-case basis.  

After a fundraising drive for the ceramics studio ended, the Stew Makerspace found itself $500 short of the $10,000 needed to purchase new equipment. Grinnell College’s micro-grant program provided the funds to close that $500 gap, and the Makerspace was able to purchase a pug mill and a new ceramics kiln.  

Both pieces of equipment greatly increase the capabilities, efficiency, and capacity of the Makerspace. The pug mill can recycle clay much more effectively than hand recycling can, which requires time and labor but results in a lower-quality material. The new kiln is not only able to reach the right temperature for glazing, but also increases the number of users who can work on ceramics projects. This helps accommodate a recent increase in users at the ceramics studio.  

The Stew Makerspace is a valuable resource that fosters the creativity of community members. Monica St. Angelo, operations manager of the Grinnell Area Arts Council, remarked, “We greatly appreciated the grant funding we received toward our $10,000 Stew ceramics equipment upgrade fund drive. Both pieces of equipment have a significant impact on our operations in the ceramics studio and our ability to handle more users.” 

For Future Generations — Grinnell Historical Museum 

To protect its collection of old textiles from the test of time, the Grinnell Historical Museum was awarded $1,124 by the Grinnell College Community Mini-Grant in spring 2022.  

The museum’s collection of textiles includes a diverse array of clothing, hats, quilts, linens, uniforms, and flags. These materials require substantial attention and care to prevent them from deteriorating due to conditions such as exposure to light, temperature, humidity, pests, and pollutants. Special materials are required to ensure their proper care. Thanks to Grinnell College Community Mini-Grant funds, the museum has been able to start a year-long process of caring for these important cultural items.  

Many of the objects that are part of the new care regimen have been in the museum’s care custody for over 50 years but have not been stored under ideal conditions. Proper storage will ensure that these items will not degrade further, so that they will be in good shape for the museum’s re-opening, which is coming soon. The Grinnell Historical Museum works with the Drake Community Library, the Grinnell Lions Ag Day celebrations, and Davis Elementary School to provide showings of objects and learning opportunities to the community.  

Materials like these have important cultural and educational value, and the historical museum wants to preserve their textile collection as a treasure for the community. The educational and cultural opportunities the museum makes available to the community demonstrate its value. “Our collection is an important part of the cultural and educational life of the community we serve,” shared Barb Lease, board member and textile specialist at the Grinnell Historical Museum.