About Us
Learn more about Parts & Crafts
A Brief History
Originally founded as a summer camp focused on making, building, taking things apart, programming, art, science, and boffer-swording, we started a homeschool resource center in 2012 that is Not a School, despite some kids coming all 5 days. Until 2020, we ran M-F, serving about 50 kids in various capacities as a school-replacement. We have been a place for socialization to supplement their other homeschooling activities with one-on-one tutoring, small group classes, and playing with all of the wacky stuff in our space.
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We primarily work with curious and quirky kids aged 7-13, who are super interested in things that are off the beaten path. Some of our projects & classes require kids to be able to read and write, like for Scratch, Java Processing, Mock Trial, etc., but many others don't (drawing, paper weaving, rope-making, plastic jug pigs, etc). Kids come to our unschooling program, CSCL for many reasons, from being lifelong homeschoolers, finding themselves suddenly incompatible with mainstream schooling, or as many reasons as we have kids. We are not a therapeutic program, however, our main rule of "Be Excellent to Each Other" helps all kinds of kids thrive socially in a way they often can't in mainstream schools.
Mission & Bylaws
Parts and Crafts is a non-profit corporation and shall be operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the International Revenue Code of 1986 or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. The purpose of the corporation is to engage in the following activities:
- To create a space for building, tinkering, and making things
- To create an alternative learning space for hands-on education and self-directed learning
- To ensure that families who want to participate in our programs are able to regardless of income
- To encourage basic tool use and technical competency across a wide range of fields
- To foster a diverse and inclusive community around all these things
Parts and Crafts is a makerspace and community workshop in Somerville, MA. We encourage kids to think and make and learn and do through the exploration of the arts, science, computer programming, and engineering – a cluster of disciplines we refer to as “the creative application of technical skills.” ​ In all of our programs we aim to create a supportive environment for self-directed ​ learning where young people can learn hands-on skills, gain competency in basic tool use, and work on creative projects of their own design
Kelly Taylor (She/Her)
Co-Director
Also known as the Goblin Queen, Kelly loves to play Magic the Gathering, DnD, and any board games with kids - helping them imagine new & far-away lands. A history buff, she is always teaching the kids about US & global history and talking about current events, civil rights, and politics.
Cora Vestal (She/Her)
Co-Director
A former practicing lawyer, Cora has extensive knowledge about the U.S. legal system which she loves to share with youth. She will often run Mock Trial, current events, know your rights, and debate classes. Cora has a passion for empowering young people to care about our democracy and have the tools to defend it.
Mike Gasper (He/Him)
Co-Director
Known as the Cardboard King, Mike has a true engineer's DIY spirit. He helps kids build their wildest dreams out of cardboard. An avid drawer, he will often lead drawing sessions - teaching kids fundamental drawing techniques. Also well known for being a Bird Nerd, Mike shares his passion with birding with P&C, often taking kids on birdwatching trips or teaching them about local birds.
Blaire (She/They)
Makerspace Staff Member
Blaire constantly shares her excitement about electronic music with music making sessions. They have a knack for working on computer programs, often leading coding sessions through Scratch and Arduino, helping kids 3D print their designs made in Tinkercad, or assisting in movie-making using iMovie. They are committed to ensuring every kid feels comfortable and supported at Parts and Crafts.
Hillary (She/Her)
Makerspace Staff Member
A lifelong artist, Hillary excels at including all kids in big group projects and space re-designs. You can find Hillary working with kids in all things visual arts -- painting in acrylic and watercolors, hand-building with clay, creating mixed media collages, and on. She loves chatting art history and also supporting kids' ongoing development of emotional regulation skills.
Jensen (They/Them)
Makerspace Staff Member
When not making intricate puppets with the kids at P&C, Jensen studies at the SMFA - pursuing their BFA and Masters in Art Teaching. They have a passion for making art accessible to all kids regardless of skill level. Jensen typically works in fiber arts, miniature making, and animation but can be found doing a variety of activity. Parts & Crafts is lucky to have Jensen as a part-time maker space assistant during their time in school.