An extraordinary school/MakerSpace dedicated to the development of bright ideas and curious minds; a multi-materials workshop and a community of creatives working together to elevate Craft. Team Members:
Marc Daniels
Cofounder
In addition to being a life-long tinkerer and maker, there are certain recurring elements and themes that have shaped who I am today. Sailing, hang-gliding and sea kayaki
ng have been my passions, and each has enriched me so much more through the intimate involvement that comes from building the craft and from teaching others. There's nothing like soaring three thousand feet over a valley floor, carving circles in the air with a glider that you've built with your own hands. Or being out in rough weather making your way confidently along-shore in a baidarka that you made to fit your own body. These are the kinds of experiences I embrace and long to share! The idea for Mind's Eye Manufactory began growing in my imagination many years ago, and was originally sparked by my own love of tinkering, building, and inventing, combined with a wish to share that world with others. The Manufactory is my answer to those desires. It is a venue where the full array of artisan skill-sets and mind-sets have the chance to mingle and cross-pollinate; where Creativity naturally gets moved to a higher level. As much as I enjoy teaching boatbuilding classes and leading other woodworking projects, I am even more excited by what I have the chance to learn from the students and artisans who come through our doors with their own maker-skills, enthusiasm, and aesthetic insights. My vision for Mind's Eye Manufactory? Not only to be a state-of-theart maker facility and artisan school, but more importantly, to be the epicenter of a new culture; a rich culture of inspired makers, designers, and thinkers. Leah Daniels
Cofounder
All through my childhood and up until his departure in 2010, I spent time being my Granddad's handyman assistant and tinkering with him in his driveway. This life with him has shaped who I am in many ways, some very unique and extraordinary. My world has been enriched not only by the confidence I gained in knowing how to fix, build, and create, but also in the life lessons I learned from a true gentleman and “Old Master”. At Mind's Eye Manufactory, I am using these lessons along with my experience in Early Childhood Education and my natural caregiver personality to develop programs and an environment that empowers kids and teaches them self-reliance. I truly care about my relationships and the concerns of those I'm working with and along-side and tend to remain unruffled by the unexpected. My other area of expertise at Mind's Eye is “behind the scenes” as the office manager. I have spent several years taking care of this side of a construction business and dairy, which I was co-owner and operator of, and have held office duties for many other organizations. At Mind's Eye, I enjoy being a student where I can explore the boundaries of different art forms and work on my own projects. I have two daughters whose involvement is growing and I am excited to be raising them in a makerspace environment. Their creativity, confidence, and know-how are growing beyond what books or computers alone can teach them and this is such a joy to watch. I am proud to be a part of the sharing and gaining of maker knowledge, and the community and culture that is growing at Mind's Eye Manufactory. Jeff Sanchez
Like most people self description is the hardest. I've known the Mind's Eye Manufactory (MEM) group for many years and we have always talked about collaborating on a project. When I was approached for a position on the MEM team I felt it was truly great timing. MEM was created from the
vision of Marc Daniels for a vocational arts school. MEM has been in the "make" for many years waiting for the right chemistry, location and resources. Thanks to his great vision and willingness to share, we are all able to partake of this great vocational arts center MEM. My primary field is electronics assembly. I was raised in the electronics boom of the cold war 70's in the Silicon Valley and have worked for many companies. I have a natural grasp of how assemblies are developed and are constructed from every level. My focus at MEM will be directed towards curriculum that embraces technologies in a tactile environment. This curriculum will engage the learner to build the everyday things they enjoy but might not understand "beyond the joystick" and the remote. I believe most people would take pride in anything they have built themselves and built well. Making sure that the student has every opportunity to build their project well is a solid focus of MEM and one that I truly stand behind. I am a father of three and a home schooler. I liken my family's living environment to more of a "Tech Family Robinson" theme. As a home schooler my intent was never to shield my children away from their community but rather put more focus on matching and stretching their ability with their own interests. This of course leads to more artistic advancement. I am truly fortunate to have this relationship with my children. In short I feel my effort and purpose at MEM is to learn how to build our environment around us rather than order it from somewhere else! Andrei Hedstrom
My favorite childhood toy (well maybe tied with my Boba Fett action figure) is a truck I made with my grandfather in his shop out of scrap wood, nails and screws. Boba Fett got destroyed in a BB gun crazed summer break shooting spree, but the truck sits on a shelf in my woodshop. Over the years I have worn many hats - Gulf War vet, college student body president, handyman, demolition/ construction worker, mental health professional, high tech communications, artist, writer, husband and father. I am currently the CEO of a company that is focused on supporting adult learning and sustainability initiatives within corporations. At Minds Eye Manufactory, I enjoy bringing my experience in shaping organizations and building relationships along with my passion for all things creative and sustainable into regular focus. Building, fixing, improving and dreaming are essential components to a sustainable and happy human society, and at Mind's Eye Manufactory we celebrate and build that up.
