Women Who Build- Artists Who Own

Project Summary:

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This project started with a question

"Ladies, who wants to learn together how to use a miter saw?"

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Yvonne Shortt wanted to increase her skills in her studio and in her own life using power tools.  However, when Yvonne looked for courses many of them started around $800.00. Also, one didn't own the tools used for the class.  So Yvonne decided to spend her money on a  - miter saw- and ask people to come and learn together.

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From her initial question 10 women showed up the first month.  By the 4th month there were 150 women and this question turned into a project.

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The focus became learning to use the tools, growing other skills like leadership and fundraising, and empowering each other. The team was also creating a new model. One that valued leaning together outside of a traditional school setting by people donating time in their area of expertise. 

 

Then, the idea came to have a culminating project that allowed the women to use what they learned.  Committees grew organically: Sourcing, skill development, fundraising, community outreach, and research.

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Ultimately a tiny house community incubator was born.  

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