About The Open Bench
Our Mission
The Open Bench Project is a shared learn/work facility in Portland, Maine. We cultivate a community of makers by providing access to studio/work space, tools and resources around skill and capacity building. We provide an opportunity for makers of all types – amateurs, professionals, hobbyists, entrepreneurs, youth, artists, scientists, engineers – to explore ideas, hone and learn new skills, and collaborate with thought partners across disciplines. We strive to help people explore, question, critique, and recreate the built world around them. OBP is a space for people to bring their ideas into reality. We believe the act of making and encouraging critical thinking about the designed world fosters confidence and curiosity – qualities that will enrich individual lives as well as our local and shared communities.
Make it happen in our 7,500 square foot facility
Whether it’s the Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Electronics Lab, Screen Printing Zone or a place to mess about like The Sandbox you need, we’ve got space for you and your projects. We have plenty of studio and storage space. Get your stuff out of the kitchen or garage and come check us out.
Community
Come down to the Bench, share some ideas and get inspired. Learn a little, give a little and meet some darned good people. (including the jokesters below)
Our Team
Jake Ryan
Founder & Director
A familiar face around OBP, Jake has been the heart and soul of the shop. His vision, courage and determination have built a community which extends beyond the walls of OBP. He is first and foremost an educator. His passion is to foster success in others. He is also a designer, maker and artist. He works tirelessly to promote OBP, bring together the right people to make things happen and has awesome nunchucking skills.
Marc Foster
Steward of the Bench
Marc is a critical member of the OBP team and has been as long as anyone. If we could clone any OBP member it would be Marc. He is always willing to chat, help others, and is willing to take the initiative to own and address any issue at the Bench. He has a strong background in computer science, loves to watch Youtube videos and has taken apart more than his fair share of microwaves.
Jenny Green
Social Media Coordinator
Jenny is a social media strategist and manager. Olive oil, medical billing, fitness centers – you name it and she markets it. Jenny’s mission is to spread the message of the OBP far and wide while bringing our own community even closer together. She’s also a bit obsessed with Iron Man. #makesomething #obp #creators