Author: Greg Maino

  • Healing Through Making: FREE Sewing Workshop To Support Breast Cancer Patients

    Healing Through Making: FREE Sewing Workshop To Support Breast Cancer Patients

    Come help the Generator community fabricate shower bags for the UVM Medical Center Oncology Unit!

    Join us for a two-day community sewing event to support breast cancer patients recovering from surgery. Shower bags allow patients to shower hands-free while managing post-surgical drains—a small comfort that makes a meaningful difference.

    Dates: Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14
    Time: 10:00am–2:00pm
    Cost: FREE

    Basic sewing experience is helpful but not required—there are tasks for everyone. We have limited sewing machines, so please bring one if you can.

    Donations needed: 100% cotton fabric, ribbon, thread, and sewing machine needles.

    This project was inspired by Lyn Coupal, a two-time breast cancer survivor. “After my second surgery, the hospital gave me a shower bag so I could bathe safely and independently,” Lyn shared. “These small items make a big difference—but they’re not always available.”

    Drop in anytime! We need volunteers to help sew, cut fabric, iron, assemble, and package bags.

    Sign Up To Volunteer

    Questions or Donations? Contact [email protected]

  • Membership Referral Program – November & December

    Membership Referral Program – November & December

    Refer a Friend and Earn Free Membership!

    Active Generator members can earn free membership by referring new and returning members during the months of November and December.

    Benefits:

    • Current Members: 2 weeks of free membership per referral
    • New Members: $40 off their first month

    How to Participate:

    Current Members
    Email [email protected] to request your personalized referral code.     Share it with potential members throughout November and December. We’ll track code usage and apply your rewards during the first week of January.

    New Members
    Use a referral code when signing up to save $40 off your first month. Only one code per person is allowed.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Current members must maintain continuous membership through the promotional period to receive rewards. Memberships that expire or lapse during November-December are not eligible for rewards.
    • Any non-member can use a referral code whether they are a new member, or a returning member.
    • Referral discount can only be used in conjunction with our standard monthly membership. Student memberships, volunteer memberships, and rental products are not eligible.

    Email [email protected] to request your personalized referral code today!

    If you have any questions please reach out to [email protected], or [email protected].

  • Community Survey Fall 2025

    Community Survey Fall 2025

    Help Us Improve the Generator Experience!

    At Generator Makerspace, our community is at the core of everything we do. As we continue to grow and evolve, we want to make sure we’re providing the tools, resources, and programs that matter most to you—our members, visitors, and the wider maker community.

    That’s why we’re reaching out today to ask for your help.

    Why Your Input Matters

    Generator exists to serve the diverse needs of makers, artists, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, and curious minds throughout our community. Whether you spend multiple hours each week at our facility, are someone who drops in occasionally for a specific project, or are a curious neighbor who’s been thinking about exploring what we offer—your perspective is invaluable.

    Your feedback will help us understand:

    • Which tools and equipment are most essential to your projects
    • What types of classes and trainings you’d like to see offered
    • How we can better support your creative and professional goals
    • What barriers might be preventing you from using the space more fully
    • What new programs or resources would enhance your maker journey

    Take Our Brief Community Survey

    We’ve created a short survey that should only take a few minutes to complete. You’re welcome to fill it out anonymously if you prefer, but we hope you’ll consider sharing your contact information because we’re offering some fantastic prizes as a thank you for your time.

    Enter to Win Amazing Prizes

    Everyone who provides basic contact information will be automatically entered into our raffle to win the prizes listed below:

    • (1) Six Months of FREE Generator Membership
    • (2) Three Months of FREE Generator Membership
    • (1) Free Generator Tool Training
    • (1) Free Generator Workshop
    • (1) PinBox 3000: DIY Cardboard Pinball Game

    Our survey period ends Sunday, October 19th. Prizes will be awarded shortly thereafter.

    Take Generator’s Community Survey

    Thank you for being part of the Generator community. We can’t wait to hear your ideas so we can make this space even better. If you have questions about the survey or want to share additional feedback please rreach out to us at [email protected].

  • Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Generator’s Upgraded Electronics Lab

    Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Generator’s Upgraded Electronics Lab

    Upgraded Electronics Lab Ribbon Cutting!

    Join us for the grand opening of our newly upgraded Electronics Lab, made possible through funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with LaunchVT.

    The enhanced lab features state-of-the-art tools, expanded workstations, improved safety features, and specialized power supplies designed to support innovators, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists working on cutting-edge electronic projects—including those utilizing GaN (gallium nitride) semiconductors for energy-efficient power electronics.

    Come celebrate this milestone in Vermont’s growing tech and maker communities!

    The event will include guided tours of the new lab and networking opportunities with members of Vermont’s manufacturing, creative, and entrepreneurial communities.

    Event Details

    Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
    Time: 2:30 PM
    Location: Generator Makerspace, 40 Sears Lane, Burlington, VT
    Cost: Free and open to the public
    Refreshments: Cash bar provided by Zero Gravity Brewery

    RSVP Today
  • Artist-In-Residence Showcase: Andrew Dudka

    Artist-In-Residence Showcase: Andrew Dudka

    Join the maker and artist community at Generator Makerspace during the South End Art Hop for our Artist-In-Residence Showcase with Andrew Dudka!

    Andrew is a local artist and designer who creates digital, two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces to encourage playful reflection and offer poignant societal commentary. His work speaks through vibrant, rounded forms and dynamic negative space—colloquially dubbed “blobs”—and a deceptive simplicity that belies deeper meaning.

    Andrew will be unveiling a two-part exhibit for Art Hop: “Rorschach Tests For How Much Fun You’re Having” is an interactive, multimedia culmination of over two years of exploratory abstract drawing and printmaking, driven by free association and loosely interpreted tenets of art psychology. “It Takes All Kinds” is an extension of the same creative process, expanded through the variety of mediums and resources made possible by Generator Makerspace. Both bodies of work pose questions about the relationship between meaning, humanity, and belonging.

    Andrew’s installation will be on display at Generator for all three days of Art Hop, and Andrew will be present in his studio from 6-9pm on Saturday and 10am-12pm on Sunday.

    What: Artist-In-Residence Showcase
    Who: Andrew Dudka
    When: Fri-Sun during Art Hop
    Cost: FREE

    Learn more about Andrew on his website at www.andrewdudka.com.

  • Summer Sewing Sesh: Thursday, July 17th

    Summer Sewing Sesh: Thursday, July 17th

    Join Generator at Old Spokes Home located at 331 N Winooski Ave in Burlington for an evening of hands-on DIY fun! Generator will be leading a sewing workshop where anyone who shows up can make a small cycling utility pouch for FREE.

    The world is made of fabric and learning to sew unlocks a whole world of possibilities. Maybe off the shelf pants and shirts never fit quite right… Sewing can fix it! Maybe you’re looking for the perfect handlebar bag for your bike, but just can’t find something with the right features in the right color… Sewing can make it! Maybe you have an idea for a piece of clothing or a bag that doesn’t exist yet… Sewing can manifest it!

    While sewing is not a difficult skill to learn, and many projects don’t require high level expertise… Sewing is something that needs to be learned.

    During this workshop participants will receive a basic introduction to sewing with technical fabrics by making a simple cycling utility pouch perfect for protecting your phone in a sweaty jersey pocket, for storing some basic tools, or for protecting a spare tube while it bounces around in your saddle or frame bag. The process involves cutting out the pattern, sewing the seams, and adding the snap closure.

    Generator staff will provide guidance and support during every step. All materials are provided, and all ages are welcome.

    We do ask that younger kids—and maybe some adults (your friends know who you are)—be accompanied by a mature person that can support them while learning new skills that might not come very easily at first.

    So, clear your schedule and consider joining us at Old Spokes Home on Thursday, July 17th to get your learn on!

    What: Free Cycling Sewing Workshop
    When: Thursday, July 17th
    Time: 4:00-7:00pm
    Where: Old Spokes Home (Map)
    Cost: FREE

    Questions… Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] and we will get back to you ASAP!

  • Bike & Gear Repair Fair – Tuesday, June 24th

    Bike & Gear Repair Fair – Tuesday, June 24th

    Join Generator, Local Motion, and The Sandbox at Zero Gravity for a fun, FREE, hands-on, community powered Bike & Gear Repair Fair from 4-8pm on Tuesday, June 24th! 

    Have a bike that needs a little TLC, a torn jacket, broken buckle, or a pack that’s seen better days? Let us help you fix it! Throwaway culture has become widespread and repairing what you can is a powerful act of sustainability. Every patch, stitch, and fix helps keep useful gear out of the landfill. Rather than extracting additional resources to make something new, let’s focus on extracting as much life as possible from what we already have. It’s a simple shift with a big impact—and we’re here to help!

    Here’s what’s on deck:

    Bike Repair

    We will have stations set up for basic bike tune-ups. Volunteer mechanics from Generator and Local Motion will be focusing on safety checks and making sure brakes and shifting work as well as possible. We won’t have spare parts on-hand, so it’s more tune-up than overhaul. Shout out to Local Motion for providing bike parking and additional mechanic support! 

    EZ Breezy Bike Ride with Local Motion

    Join Local Motion for a special edition of their community bike ride ending at Zero Gravity for the Bike & Gear Repair Fair!

    The ride will meet at 6 PM at Local Motion’s Trailside Center (1 Steele St) for a leisurely spin around Burlington’s streets. The pace will be relaxed so you can chat with neighbors, groove to music, and pick up local riding tips along the way. As always, we stick together – no one gets left behind!

    Bring your bike and any gear that could use some love. Local Motion will provide the tunes, safety volunteers, and the community spirit that makes these rides special – Learn More!

    Gear & Clothing Repair

    Generator & The Sandbox will be on-site with sewing machines, scrap fabric, and other supplies. Whether it’s a torn jacket, busted strap, or frayed pack, bring it by — we’ll fix what we can on-site and can help make arrangements for more complicated repairs.

    We can offer free patches, snaps, and other basic repairs. For more complex repairs, representatives from The Sandbox will be able to provide advice and make arrangements to have the repairs completed at The Sandbox. These more complicated repairs will likely not be free, however any repairs that come into The Sandbox through this event will receive a $10 discount.

    The Sandbox also has a supply of old construction garments that we can deconstruct… aka cut up… and use to decorate and enhance your riding clothing, bags, or packs!

    Design & 3D Printing Fun

    While you wait come learn more about 3D printing, and design. We’ll be printing some fun projects and will have custom stickers available for the taking. Repairing gear is fun, but customizing your gear is the ultimate upgrade!

    Hang Out & Hydrate

    This whole thing will take place at Zero Gravity, and they have some of the best beer and food in the area. So, come for the fixes, but stick around for the food and friends.

    This event is totally FREE!

    So clear your schedule, grab all of your broken stuff, and join us at Zero Gravity on Tuesday, June 24th for a fun evening of giving good gear new life!

    What: Bike & Gear Repair Fair
    When: Tuesday, June 24th
    Time: 4:00-8:00pm
    Where: Zero Gravity Brewery (Map)
    Cost: FREE

  • Bike & Gear Repair Fair – May 14, 2025

    Bike & Gear Repair Fair – May 14, 2025

    Join Generator, The Sandbox, Pride Rides VT, RAR Champlain Valley, and Color The Valley at Zero Gravity for a fun, FREE, hands-on, community powered Bike & Gear Repair Fair from 4-8pm on Wednesday, May 14th! 

    Have a bike that needs a little TLC, a torn jacket, broken buckle, or a pack that’s seen better days? Let us help you fix it! Throwaway culture has become widespread and repairing what you can is a powerful act of sustainability. Every patch, stitch, and fix helps keep useful gear out of the landfill. Rather than extracting additional resources to make something new, we should focus on extracting as much life as possible from what we already have. It’s a simple shift with a big impact—and we’re here to help!

    Here’s what’s on deck:

    Bike Repair 
    We will have two stations set up for basic bike tune-ups. Our volunteer mechanics will be focusing on safety checks, clean drivetrains, and dialed-in brakes and shifting. We won’t have spare parts on-hand, so it’s more tune-up than overhaul.

    Gear & Clothing Repair
    Generator & The Sandbox will be on-site with sewing machines, scrap fabric, and other supplies. Whether it’s a torn jacket, busted strap, or frayed pack, bring it by — we’ll fix what we can on-site and can help make arrangements for more complicated repairs.

    Custom Decals & 3D Printing Fun
    While you wait come learn more about 3D printing, and design and make your own custom vinyl decals! Repairing gear is fun, but customizing your gear is the ultimate upgrade!

    Hang Out & Hydrate
    This whole thing will take place at Zero Gravity, and they have some of the best beer and food in the area. So, come for the fixes, but stick around for the food and friends.

    This event is totally FREE!

    So, whether you’ve been getting out all winter or just dug your gear out of winter storage, join us at Zero Gravity on Wednesday, May 14th and let us make sure you’re ready to roll!

    What: Bike & Gear Repair Fair
    When: Wednesday, May 14th
    Time: 4:00-8:00pm
    Where: Zero Gravity Brewery (Map)
    Cost: FREE

  • Meet Our 2025 JumpStart Cohort!

    Meet Our 2025 JumpStart Cohort!

    Meet Our 2025 JumpStart Cohort!

    Ahead of our upcoming JumpStart Expo & Pitch Night, we are excited to introduce our newest cohort of Generator entrepreneurs! 

    These ten talented makers were selected to participate in 2025 JumpStart Business Bootcamp, a 12-week startup development program facilitated by business coach Emily Eley. This incredible crew has been meeting weekly since early March, setting goals, crafting prototypes, and fine-tuning their business models. 

    Don’t miss the JumpStart Expo & Pitch Night coming up on Wednesday, May 28th where you can listen to each entrepreneur pitch their business and share a bit about their journey. Click Here to RSVP!

    This program is made possible with support from M&T Bank and the Center For Women & Enterprise. 

    Adrianne Busato
    Busato’s Revival

    Busato’s Revival specializes in restoring and transforming furniture, giving old pieces new life with craftsmanship that blends timeless charm and modern style.

    Amanda Rubinstein
    Ruby Threads

    Ruby Threads ethically hand-crafts and sells multi-functional, one-of-a-kind garments that solve fashion’s real life problems.

    Bethany Andrews-Nichols
    Beenanza Design

    Bethany Andrews-Nichols is a designer, artist and block-printer from Burlington. She loves finding innovative ways to interpret a print. In 2023 she birthed Cover-All “the block-print everywhere kit” to inspire others to join her on the journey of creating bold patterns everywhere. In 2025, Bethany will be relaunching an improved version of the Cover-All kit to get it into the hands of more designers, dabblers & DIYers!

    Eric Roy
    Relics + Rarities

    Relics + Rarities transforms discarded plastic waste by transforming old trash into new treasures, giving new life to forgotten materials while diverting waste streams into innovative and sustainable products.

    Jak Tiano
    Studio Pollinator

    Studio Pollinator is developing a series of adaptable, multipurpose furniture items for intentional urban lifestyles. Our first product is a western adaptation of the Japanese kotatsu, a low, heated table.

    Jasmine Martel
    Flow To The Flower

    Flow to the Flower delivers a sense of calmness and grounding. Heightened by attractive hand-crafted Cannabis storage boxes that provide the moments in our day that are ritualistic and sacred.

    Joe Pasteris
    Backland Designs 

    Backland Designs creates custom awards that reflect the spirit of the outdoors and the grit of the people who earn them. The awards are handmade in Vermont and designed to be cherished keepsakes that capture the essence of each event.

    Katie Cameron
    Cry Baby Clay

    Cry Baby Clay offers handmade ceramics that bring big feelings to small daily moments. Katie is utilizing the Jumpstart program at Generator to navigate how tools like 3D printing and laser cutting can better assist and inform her ceramics practice.

    Mellisa Cain
    Honeybee Heather

    HoneyBee Cards; from forest floor to conference room—in your pocket illustrated cards that bring groups together & spark connection.

    HoneyBee Cards are 50 vibrantly hand illustrated IMAGE CARDS used in a variety of ways to spark conversation and foster innovative ways of thinking & processing. One side features hand-painted brightly colored animals, plants, birds, whimsical food items or magical creatures. On the flip side are a puzzle of colors and patterns that can form pairs & groupings

    Sarah Yeager
    Bloom Lab Perfumerie

    Your scent, your story. Bloom Lab specializes in the art of natural perfumery through custom perfumes and immersive classes. We believe that the sense of smell is one of the most powerful human experiences capable of unlocking memories, emotions, and expressing individuality. In a world where instant satisfaction rules, Bloom Lab strives to break that mold by inviting you to slow down and experience the art of perfumery for yourself.

  • Summer 2024 Artist-In-Residence: jen berger

    Summer 2024 Artist-In-Residence: jen berger

    This summer, Generator is hosting jen berger as the Artist-In-Residence. jen comes in with experience in printmaking, painting, mixed media, and installation work. A theme she is currently exploring through her public artwork is the idea of care. How the use of care as a lens puts responsibility on artists to truly consider what is being created and put into public spaces. 

    jen comes to Generator with many years of experience in utilizing care within her artwork and practice. Originally from outside of Philadelphia, she spent time in Chicago and moved to Vermont in 2001. Her interest in herbalism and living closer to plants is why she moved to Burlington. jen has always had an interest in art, however, it was not until after 9/11 that she began to veer away from herbalism and use art as a tool of activism.  jen has been bringing people together for many years, through her community-based work, teaching artistry, and as an educator. jen has worked for several higher education institutions in Vermont, such as Community College of Vermont, and Champlain College, and currently teaches art at the University of Vermont. She has been involved with Generator for the last decade, because of her previous work at Champlain College, she came in to work on a project, and using the laser cutter is what kickstarted her relationship with the makerspace. She has brought students here, has had friends who were Artists-In-Residence and has been a member on and off for many years.

    Though her art began as activist and social movement-oriented, it has changed to not be less literal as “in your face”, but instead has become more of a personally memorable experience to folks engaging with the work. As the Artist-In-Residence, jen will be working on an installation, tying together the ideas of care, public art, memorials, and monuments, things that have been prevalent in her mind since the racial reckoning of 2020. She will be highlighting the concept of loss, not only physical but intangible, and this will manifest in the form of a multi-alter memorial monument. The piece is intended to be used as a means to bring people together and make it easier to be in the world with one another.  jen has spent the last month of her residency practicing and planning, she expresses her love for power tools, and how “there’s a world of opportunities that [she] can just scratch the surface at right now” at Generator. She foresees herself focused on the metal and wood workshops for her installation piece. She is also playing around with a print to accompany the installation.

    Though jen is a full-time teacher and artist, she is also a full-time human being. Some of the things she does for fun outside of art are spending time with friends, traveling, swimming, cooking, being outside, hanging out with friends, and dancing. Joy is also a big part of jen’s life, specifically joy as resistance. To jen, going dancing feels like joy, or when she can find time in her day to do something that is not scripted feels like joy. 

    If you would like to learn more about how joy, care, community, and education take hold in jen’s work visit her business website At the Root, or her Instagram. Also, you can connect with jen, and see her most recent work, on September 6-8 during the South End ArtHop–More Info Here.