The Generator, an inclusive art space, maker space and community space in greater Reno-Sparks, is reopening in a temporary location at 250 Bell St. The reopening will be kicked off with a grand opening event that is free to the public on May 1 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the new downtown Reno location. 

While listening to live music from local hip-hop duo Nino Santo, attendees will be able to enjoy food and libations from the Hungry Devils food truck, Sweet Paradise Ice Cream and the Tap Wagon. Attendees will also be able to participate in activities like hand-crafting flower crowns, crafting jellyfish puppets, weaving tapestries from trash, creating mini-zines and screen printing patches.  

“We’re excited to safely invite the community to join us for the grand opening of this temporary location,” said Jessi  Sprocket Janusee, communications director for The Generator. “The last year has been difficult, to say the least, and we’re very eager to have a space we can invite our members back to so they can resume creating and making with the supportive environment the Generator is supposed to be.” 

Attendees will also be able to talk with community organizations, including R.I.S.E, Cookies for Kindness, Kid Rocker, Animarte, Eddy House, Girls Who Rock, United Federation of the Universe and more, at informational booths around the event. 

In keeping with COVID- precautions, all guests will need to wear a mask and practice social distancing. It is recommended for the public to purchase tickets in advance. 

“We dream. We convene. We create. We make. We’re inspired by the magic and inspiration we see in all its enormity at Burning Man each summer, and we want to keep it alive all year,” according to The Generator. “We combine forces and share resources in the name of creative growth and community involvement for all. Never been to Burning Man? No worries. Burner status is not required.”

The Generator has industrial equipment and tools, a powerful network of creative minds, three phase power, and 35,000 square feet of workspace. They share their collective know-how and hope to learn from others. They exist to encourage everyone to unlock their maker potential.

The Bell Street location will serve as a temporary home for The Generator for the summer as the nonprofit makes the move to its previously-announced, permanent Oddie Boulevard location. Having an interim building allows the organization to continue offering kids programming, a smaller but still workable maker space and workshops to members during the transition period.