Synergy and collaboration fuel Sisters Makers

"It is super exciting to see this sense of synergy," said Shannon Thorson. She is the initiator of Sisters Makers, which celebrates its grand opening this week during 4th Friday Artwalk (Click here to see related story.).

In the Sisters Country Vision project, published in 2019, the concept of promoting and supporting makers rose to importance. Many artisans, small agricultural businesses, visual artists, and creators of handcrafted goods lacked space, a community gathering place, business education, and other resources.

"It's because we didn't have a Shannon," explained Eric Strobel, who is Sisters area director for economic development organization EDCO. "We didn't have the person that took the bull by the horns. That's what it takes to get something off the ground."

Thorson is motivated by her own experience as an artist and maker, working in construction as well as her own painting practice.

"I've always been around art; my dad was an iron artist and did beautiful, hand-pounded work. Creativity was always welcome in our family," she said. She worked on iron art with her dad, and has used it in home remodels.

Over the years she came to recognize that problem-solving is a big driver for her. Another is "place setting" for other artists-similar to how a set designer prepares the scene for actors to take the stage.

"What gives me the most joy is solving problems for other artists," Thorson said. "That information comes anecdotally, from my own experience, and from feedback that we get in our community."

EDCO is playing a "connector role" in the evolution of Makers, according to Strobel, connecting Makers with funding, ideas, and potential members.

"We have resources for traded sector companies and we'll eventually be able to provide those to these artists, makers and growers," Strobel elaborated. "We want the makers to be business-oriented; we don't want (Sisters) Makers to be a hobby shop. We want it to be a place for businesses to grow."

Strobel envisions baking the small business development center (SBDC) at Central Oregon Community College (COCC) into the new organization's offerings. He continued, "Yes, someone can learn how to make something at Sisters Makers, but also how to sell it, package it, create a business plan. It's for serious people that want to scale."

Limited property and housing availability in Sisters makes it difficult to recruit large businesses to town, though the Sisters vision plan includes year-round revenue independent of tourism.

"So why not grow our own?" mused Strobel.

He sees high potential for Makers to partner with Sisters Business Association, Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations to bring in speakers for educational and community events. The beneficiaries will include small entrepreneurs like Winter Robinson, a Makers member and co-owner of microgreens producer Leafy Luxuries.

"Working with Shannon has been great," said Robinson. "She has been very thoughtful and accommodating." When the City of Sisters wasn't quite on board with how microgreens production works, resulting in potential zoning problems, Thorson took the initiative to work with the City on the issue.

Sisters Farmers Market manager Willa Bauman noted that some market vendors are already using the Makers building for indoor sales. "It's been going really well," she said. Click here to see related story.

With plans for public activities such as coffee cuppings and educational presentations for all ages, Bauman is excited about the market's collaboration with Makers.

"It's been great to work with Shannon," Bauman enthused. "She brings so much energy and passion to this work. I love her ideas and her go-get-it attitude."

Bauman interacts with dozens of craftspeople, artists, and small agricultural businesses-the vendor base for farmers markets. "In Sisters," she said, "there is a need for training, space and infrastructure.

"I love the mission of Sisters Makers because of my background with Saturday Market in Eugene, which is a craft market," said Bauman. Both in the Valley and in Sisters, "I've seen a need for accessible studio space for artists that are trying to make a living with their work."

"Handcrafted is really important," she added. "I think Sisters Makers will add a lot of value to the Sisters art community."

The emergence of Sisters Makers and its grand opening event has involved many collaborators. Among them are the City of Sisters, EDCO, Explore Oregon, Sisters Art Association, Seed to Table, Age Friendly Sisters Country, Roundhouse Foundation and Citizens 4 Community (C4C).

Thorson hopes to engage C4C, COCC and School of Ranch in education for Makers. Pre-pandemic, COCC provided programming on-site in Sisters; Thorson hopes the college and its Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will "bring mentoring and educational resources back to Sisters."

The Makers organization is currently sponsored by RE:Vive Construction Services and Milroy Thorson Custom furniture makers, both affiliated with Thorson.

"She's a force," EDCO's Strobel said of Thorson. "She's amazing. We are lucky to have her in the community."