EMMAUS, Pa. — More than six years since its conception and after thousands of hours of volunteer work, the creativity and arts center JuxtaHub has announced a slate of summer workshops.
And the 35,000-square-foot facility on former Rodale Publishing land at 375 S. 10th St. is gearing up to launch its Phase 1 next year.
"It's heartwarming. I mean, if you've worked on something like this for so long, you put so much into it and then to finally start seeing pieces of the puzzle start to come together, it's really just heartwarming."JuxtaHub Founding Executive John Oetting
The hope is to turn the former warehouse into a home base for creatives in the region and to build a community of those looking to create and learn.
In early 2025, board members say, the center will feature classrooms, the start to its physical makerspace operations, a digital makerspace and virtually reality lab, and 21 specialized and ventilated art studios for the community to use.
It's taking shape in a top-to-bottom transformation. The skeleton of its classrooms and arts studios are set, while HVAC work continues on its digital makerspace area and plans are laid out for further development.
Founding Executive John Oetting said that when Phoebe Ministries bought the Rodale warehouse, the owners were enthusiastic and cut JuxtaHub a deal on a low-cost lease.
JuxtaHub began moving into the space in late 2019.
Oetting said that since the COVID-19 pandemic, he and others have noted a real gap in intergenerational community spaces, and hopes there can be mentoring and learning, as well as a place where natural connection can happen.
"It's heartwarming," Oetting said.
"I mean, if you've worked on something like this for so long, you put so much into it and then to finally start seeing pieces of the puzzle start to come together, it's really just heartwarming."
Summer Programs Announced
The group has developed partnerships and workshops with local businesses and groups and previously led a collaboration with students at Emmaus High School.
But now, as it prepares to open its doors, a slate of adult workshops have been announced for Saturdays this summer.
They include workshops by local experts on fabric making, virtual reality, standup comedy, mindfulness, content creation and design by local educators, volunteers and JuxtaHub board members.
They'll be offered about one per week until the end of August.
"It's important for us to get that momentum going with the community so that they can come in and get a taste and sneak peek of what's in store," Board President Shea Zukowski said.
All remaining weekend workshops are free or cost less than $50 to enroll.
Workshop leaders are pulled from the community and with which the board has previously worked.
Summer camps and a wider breadth of workshops are anticipated after the official opening, as well as recurring classes workshop times.
They're anticipated to include dance and yoga opportunities in addition to more varied and specific art, craft and educational workshops.
Board members say they're seeking new educators and volunteers for more workshops in the future.
'Encourage collaboration'
Currently, Zukowksi said, they're keeping workshops on Saturdays so as not to interfere with the active construction of the facilities.
She said they have been deliberate about soliciting feedback along the way of building out their programming, adjusting what they see as working and what is not along the way.
Lindsey Kleinberg, JuxtaHub's head of curriculum development and community outreach, said the current workshops are hoped to reignite the love of art and exploration in those who attend.
"I think it is a vital part of growing this end of the Lehigh Valley, and also just giving a space for voices to be heard and a place to celebrate all the wonderful art that is already here but maybe is not as visible."Lindsay Kleinberg, JuxtaHub's head of curriculum development and community outreach
Kleinberg said that once construction is continued and safety protocol allows for it, the hope is for the curriculum to be multigenerational in its focus and involve artists and groups throughout the region.
"I'm really hoping that it will just encourage collaboration, and not have other existing smaller entities feel like it is competition," she said.
"This really nice juxtaposition of movement, and art and digital, and physical makers coming together to offer time and talents to the community.
"I think it is a vital part of growing this end of the Lehigh Valley, and also just giving a space for voices to be heard and a place to celebrate all the wonderful art that is already here but maybe is not as visible."
Kleinberg also is president of Emmaus Arts Commission.
You can enroll in workshops on the JuxtaHub website's Workshop page.
Those who want to stay informed about the project can read its monthly newsletter and regularly updated Facebook page.
Construction continues
The current work by local company Sage Builders includes finishing the studios on the upper floor and classrooms, entrance hallway and gallery space is finished on the ground floor.
HVAC work, plumbing, wiring and the elevator shaft also are being completed.
That all follows what board members say was a successful capital campaign to fund the construction and secure reserves.
They say they are working at a deliberate pace and a measured approach, bringing what was a dream pitch into reality bit by bit.
"And I think it's important for people when they walk in the door to realize there's more to do here and you can be a part of it. Having an active engaged community behind this is going to help define how fast we get to this next level."JuxtaHub Board President Shea Zukowski
Entrance will be from the side of the building and through a hallway before being shown gallery spaces, the entrance to the digital makerspace and meeting areas, and stairs to the artist studios.
Plans include a black box theatre and commercial kitchen capabilities, among other potential service additions.
Oetting said he's excited to launch programs such as a boat-building workshop series, further extended reality and spatial computing technology demonstrations, and other ideas that other places are not as equipped to do because of tech, space or other reasons.
The group is seeking its first executive director, and working on more opportunities to bring more people from the community in to get a look at and contribute to the in-progress work
"As excited as we are to get this the doors open and off the ground, this is still a real work in progress," Zukowski said.
"And I think it's important for people when they walk in the door to realize there's more to do here and you can be a part of it.
"Having an active engaged community behind this is going to help define how fast we get to this next level."
