About

We are a community-focused space for makers, artists, and thinkers to create, collaborate, and improve our region. We provide a safe opportunity for members and the wider community to engage through our many available classes, tools, and workspaces.

 

Dwayne Leonard and Byron Kindig manning the Blender 3D table at #MadeInKingsport

Welcoming Statement

Our commitment to growth and innovation includes being a welcoming space for everyone regardless of race, culture, gender, orientation, religion, ability, or socioeconomic status. We actively work to examine our policies to best accept and support people who come from various backgrounds and experiences.

Our Areas of Impact

  • Makers

    Where craft meets science, this group has a strong connection to making [and breaking] things to see what they can create next. This includes woodworkers, machinists, engineers, tinkerers, and more.

  • Community Arts

    Traditional artisans and crafters like painters, printmakers, fiber artists, sculptors, and other artistic professionals and hobbyists are all welcome.

  • Education

    Programs designed for elementary to higher education are a top priority, giving students more access to the tools and insight needed to develop their craft, hobbies, ideas and further STEAM education.

  • Entrepreneurs

    We help cultivate Kingsport’s entrepreneurial presence by connecting mentors and small businesses. Entrepreneurs can create prototypes of their device or product at the center.

  • Social Impact

    Our classes and programs give our community new opportunities to better themselves and build a stronger future.

  • Employers

    We offer employers programs including workplace and equipment training, team building, community investment, and more. All are made to strengthen employers and their ability to recruit and provide opportunities to their employees.

Biography

The Inventor Center is the result of a collaborative effort by the Model City Makerspace, Engage Kingsport, and the City of Kingsport. Through this partnership the Inventor Center has grown to include equipment such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, 3D printers, a laser cutter, full woodshop, welder, and more!

In addition to training, community-building events, and classes, The Inventor Center also takes on projects to benefit the larger community and has prototyping equipment helpful to inventors and entrepreneurs.

The Inventor Center is part of Innovation Village, a partnership between key businesses in the area who are focused on entrepreneurial and small-business development. We are focused on the first stage; the joy in making that drives many members to become entrepreneurs and begin to sell and market their work. The existence of Innovation Village has created a structure of resources for everyone from the casual maker to small businesses who are already thriving, and we are glad to be a part of it!

Basket Weaving with Joyce Smith

 

WKPT: A Closer Look

Our Director, Linore Huss, spoke with Lynda Fontaine at “A Closer Look” to answer questions about The Inventor Center. If you’re just learning about us, take a look!