A free weekly drawing class is getting under way Thursday, Feb. 2, at Wisconsin Makers in Whitewater. Taught by Mike Alvarez of Whitewater, the class will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Wisconsin Makers, 200 E. Clay St. Interested area residents of all ages are welcome to attend.

The class is the first activity set by the newly formed Whitewater Art Club at the makerspace. “This club is for people interested in arts and crafts in general, from drawing and painting to paper art, pottery, woodcarving and pretty much anything art-related,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez is the owner of Handy Mike LLC, a handyman service. He particularly enjoys drawing, painting, woodcarving, woodworking and pottery. He eventually plans to hold classes in those subjects, as well. “I want to integrate every part of the community, from the seniors to the little kids, so everyone can come and participate,” he said. Being bilingual, Alvarez hopes to generate interest from the Latino community, as well.

Club members need not join Wisconsin Makers to participate. However, donations toward paying utilities would be greatly appreciated.

Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace that creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to becoming innovators within their communities by unlocking their skills through continual training. It has members from Jefferson, Walworth, Rock and Waukesha counties and beyond, and all have access to the workshops around the clock. The facility houses machine, welding/fabrication, electronics, automotive, 3-D printing, laser engraving and woodworking shops. It also offers pottery, ceramics, metal art, quilting, fabric arts, matting/framing and more. The building is accessible and has off-street parking, WiFi, and many other amenities.

For more information about the makerspace, contact Chris Spangler at (920) 728-2960.

For more information about the drawing class, contact Alvarez at (920) 397-1022 or whitewaterartclub@gmail.com.