Xerocraft was originally an initiative of the Dry River Collective, a grass-roots anarchist community in Tucson. Dry River valued community support and creativity, as well as a cooperative operational model.
At some point in 2011, the idea of finding some tools to make things was discussed, and Xerocraft was born. Later in 2011, we left our modest birthplace and moved to a rental space on he south side of Tucson. One of the founders, Connor Barickman actually lived in an attached apartment and subsidized the rent for a period of time.
Many of our tools were donated by members and volunteers over the years.
In late 2011, the Steering Committee decided to pursue formal 501(c)3 non-profit status. and in January of 2012, Xerocraft was incorporated
On April 30, 2013, Xerocraft received our 501(c)3 designation from the IRS.
"What started out as a club for a few tinkerers has expanded into a committed organization, which actively contributes to the larger community’s cultural and scientific life."
-Lino Garibaldi
Makers, crafters, educators : working for cultural change
New York, NY : Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2019
The dirt floor backroom at The Dry River Collective 740 North Main Avenue
The Epic Café was the meeting place where the early Steering Committee meetings were often held as the Founders hashed out how to bring their idea to life.
Late 2011 to Sept 2013:
1301 S 6th Ave #147 (South 6th and 23rd St.)
We had 900 square feet. Total. (Plus a back yard--handy for fiery projects.)
September 7th, 2013 to present:
101 W 6th St #111, Tucson, AZ 85701
(Image from 2017)
The interior of the building is dramatically changed from it's initial state. Xerocraft and WAMO (the Warehouse Arts Management Organization) have invested countless hours and more than a little money to build what we have today. And the transformation continues!
01/06/2012 Xerocraft Incorporates
Founders:
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315179254-24/xerocraft-lino-garibaldi
ABSTRACT
The international makerspace movement is a perfect example of people getting together to fill a niche and meet a need without the vertical intervention of the government or an external institution. Xerocraft was originally hosted at Dry River, an anarchist collective in Tucson that operated on an informal basis. The roles of teacher/student are fluid; they are continually being redrawn as people reach out to those who are more or less experienced in a craft or the use of a certain tool. People learn at their own pace and make progress according to personal goals. Xerocraft is a living reminder that other models of democratic, public pedagogy are possible. What started out as a club for a few tinkerers has expanded into a committed organization, which actively contributes to the larger community’s cultural and scientific life.
https://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/hackerspace/Content?oid=3349489
https://www.zocalomagazine.com/a-place-to-learn-collaborate-create/
https://www.facebook.com/dryrivertucson/
https://tucson.com/hooking-up-with-hackers/article_a4a69016-cdae-11e0-a5ec-001cc4c002e0.html
https://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/hackerspace/Content?oid=3349489
In 2014, Xerocraft was on Arizona Illustrated (PBS) as part of Maketopolis promotion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy4n-ORHK5c
https://www.flickr.com/photos/xerocraft