Maker Space

The Maker Space at the Bob Abley Art Gallery is a welcoming, creative environment where people of all ages and abilities can explore, learn, and create. Located within Spennymoor Town Hall, the space has been designed to make art and creativity accessible to everyone, whether you're a complete beginner, enthusiastic hobbyist, student, professional artist, community group, or school.

Equipped with a wide range of materials and resources, including paints, pencils, pens, paper, easels, and mixed-media supplies, the Maker Space provides everything needed to experiment with ideas, develop new skills, and bring creative projects to life.

More than just a workspace, the Maker Space is a community hub where people can connect through creativity. The flexible space is used for workshops, group activities, creative learning sessions, community projects, and independent artistic practice, supporting both personal development and artistic expression.

The Maker Space also plays an important role in the Gallery's Artist-in-Residence programme, providing visiting artists with a dedicated environment to develop new work, share ideas, and engage directly with the public. Through demonstrations, talks, workshops, and collaborative projects, residents help inspire creativity across the community while contributing to Spennymoor's vibrant cultural life.

Local schools, youth organisations, and community groups regularly make use of the space, giving participants access to materials, creative opportunities, and hands-on experiences in an inspiring gallery setting.

Open during the Gallery's normal opening hours, the Maker Space offers visitors the chance not only to experience art but to become part of the creative process themselves. Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, develop an artistic practice, take part in a workshop, or simply try something different, the Maker Space provides the tools, encouragement, and space to create with confidence.

A Space for Everyone

• Free access to a range of art materials and creative resources
• Open to all ages and experience levels
• Workshops, community projects, and creative activities
• Support for schools, youth groups, and community organisations
• Home to the Gallery's Artist-in-Residence programme
• Flexible space for learning, making, and artistic development
• Located within the Bob Abley Art Gallery at Spennymoor Town Hall

Click the image next to this paragraph to see the full list of art classes and worshops we have planned in the Maker Space.