Art Watch 6/3-6/10

Co-working spaces are hot in Bend right now and, with a growing population of makers, telecommuters, and other out-of-the-cube workers, it's no surprise. Joining the recently opened Dastardly Arts are two new ventures: DIYcave and The Wilds.

DIYcave opened May 30 in the former Pakit Liquidators space (444 SE Ninth St.). The new work shared workspace is the brainchild of co-owners Dave Danek and Aaron Leis, who are riding the swelling wave of the local makers movement. The new space features a host of tools spanning woodworking, metal work, auto repair, sewing, 3D printing and more.

"DIYcave is based on a premise of self reliance, responsibility, and sharing," the founders explain on their website. "The goal of DIYcave is to empower people to see their ideas through to a finished product, to allow people to undertake projects which they are capable of but lack the tools or environment needed, and to teach people skills that may not otherwise be feasible without enrolling in a scheduled course."

A cross between a tool library and a skill share studio, DIYcave offers a range of classes from welding (including a session for kids) and jewelry making to bike repair and snowboard and ski tuning. The website also features guides for summer-friendly projects like building your own Adirondack chair, kegerator, or electric guitar. Learn more at diycave.com.

The Wilds plans to open at the end of the summer, and hosts an open house Wednesday, June 3. Located in a space that once cranked out balsa wood airplanes (30 SW Century Dr.). Founded by three local creatives, the venture is part co-working space, part art studio.

Meant to appeal to a wide range of creatives—from graphic designers and illustrators to painters and sculptors—the space includes artist studios, desks, and meeting space. And, like DIYCave, the Wilds also plans to offer art classes and other opportunities for creative collaborations.

"The Wilds will be a place of fearless creators who need a place to focus on their work," the founders explains, "while enjoying the atmosphere of other entrepreneurial artists."

The founders—three friends who were looking for a way to work together—are each artists in their own right. Karen Ruane is a painter, Wallis Levin builds photoshoot backdrops, and Kelly Thiel does clay sculpture.

Because work is still under way on the space, The Wilds will host its open house at GoodLife Brewing (70 SW Columbia Dr.) from 4-6 pm. Learn more at thewildsbend.com.