Second Thursday at NextFab: Philly Fixers Guild’s Repair Café

Why replace it when you can repair it? In this special Second Thursday event, the Philly Fixers Guild will be joining us at NextFab to host one of their monthly Repair Fairs out of our makerspace. This urban volunteer repair outfit will help you fix your stuff, free of charge, and they’re ready for the challenge. Got tangled jewelry, IKEA furniture that needs assembling, or a vacuum cleaner that’s on the fritz? Sit down with one of their volunteers and they’ll help you hands-on with fixing it. While they do have some limits, they encourage a read of their ground rules before bringing in your items.

Join us at NextFab for the Repair Fair in our spaces, take a tour of our spaces, and put your fixing prowess to the test. Light drinks and refreshments will be served.

What is the Philly Fixers Guild?

The Philly Fixers Guild is an independent collective of talented volunteers from differing technical backgrounds who are committed to the idea of “repair rather than replace.” The Guild was started in early 2014 by Ben Davis and Holly Logan who were volunteering together for a community sustainability program in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood.

In most instances, guild members will not simply fix items for people, but rather work with them to teach the troubleshooting and repair process. Ultimately, our community will benefit from less waste and improved economic conservation.

What are Second Thursdays?

For 17 years, the Crane Arts Building has hosted monthly art exhibitions, performances, and openings on the Second Thursday of every month. Similar to First Fridays in Old City, but not wanting to compete, Second Thursdays was created to highlight the creative community of the North Philadelphia neighborhood – and well it stuck!

American St. is becoming a booming street for artists, makers, and creatives of all types, and we invite you to come out to be a part of this. Between the Crane Arts Building and the Clay Studio, the NextFab building at 1800 North houses eight businesses that will also be opening their doors on the second Thursday of every month. At 1800 N. American St. the creative work ranges from restoring historic neon, sourcing salvaged materials, empowering artists, building bicycles, supporting artisan businesses, a gorgeous floral market, and a restaurant mixing up amazing cocktails. All are welcome to this open house-style event!

While at the 1800 N. American St. building, make sure to check out our neighbors:

• The Resource Exchange
  
• The Neon Museum of Philadelphia
  
• Sor Ynez
• Keystone Bicycle Co
  
• Beaty American Salvage
• Center for Creative Works

Host or Publisher NextFab