Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Cape Fear Makers Guild to cut ribbon on new home in Cargo District

A local arts nonprofit is showing off its new digs on Saturday, as the Cape Fear Makers Guild more than triples its space in the Cargo District. There will be a ribbon cutting on Nov. 14, 1 p.m., at 808 S. 17th St. (Port City Daily/Emily Sawaked)

WILMINGTON — A local arts nonprofit is showing off its new digs on Saturday, as the Cape Fear Makers Guild more than triples its space in the Cargo District. There will be a ribbon cutting on Nov. 14, 1 p.m., at 808 S. 17th St.

The space, formerly a dry cleaners, will be 5,000 square feet, an increase from the 1,200-square-foot Front Street home the guild once inhabited. The public is invited to its new headquarters and see the guild’s workspace, with industrial-grade machinery, dedicated digital fabrication labs, expanded woodworking and electronics shops. There also will be increased capacity for community STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education.

“Moving into this 5,000-square-foot space allows us to open our doors wider to the entire Cape Fear community,” Executive Director Doug Hamerski said in a press release. “Whether you are a student, an entrepreneur prototyping a product, or an artisan learning a new skill, this facility is built to empower local innovation.”

In addition to demonstrations offered throughout the day in 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking and more, there will be interactive activities for families. Plus, guided tours will be given and refreshments offered; information about classes, youth programs and $40 monthly memberships are also available.

The Cape Fear Makers Guild was formed in 2022, with the goal to empower individuals who want to create and provide access to a variety of tools, equipment, expertise and other resources. Learn more here.


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Shea Carver
Shea Carver
Shea Carver is the editor in chief at Port City Daily. A UNCW alumna, Shea worked in the print media business in Wilmington for 22 years before joining the PCD team in October 2020. She specializes in arts coverage — music, film, literature, theatre — the dining scene, and can often be tapped on where to go, what to do and who to see in Wilmington. When she isn’t hanging with her pup, Shadow Wolf, tending the garden or spinning vinyl, she’s attending concerts and live theater.

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