Welcome to Past Lives

Past Lives is a 26,000 sq. ft. makerspace providing members 24/7/365 secure access to a wood shop, metal shop with blacksmithing, welding fabrication, and metal casting; textiles studio with screen printing, auto-embroidery and leather working; stained glass studio, Tech hub with CNC and 3D printing; dark room for film and photography, and more!

Our in-house Design + Build team is a licensed contractor [OR CCB# 243853] and our expansive facilities enable us to accept unique commissions of all sizes, from bespoke art to construction. Spearheaded by two women, the D+B team also provides employment opportunities and skills training to formerly incarcerated artists.

We offer private studio spaces for rent to business owners and hobbyists alike, and host classes, art galleries, and various events. For potential clients commissioning art or industrial prototyping, we're a one-stop-shop for any custom fabrication project; and for local artists, we provide the collective resources to flourish through creative collaboration.

Our Guild Hall houses the physical means and collective spirit to invest in a rewarding, sustainable career in the arts and industries.

Learn more about Membership!

The Resources to Build Your Dream

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    Woodshop & Woodworkers Guild

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    Metalworkers Guild & Shop

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    Textile Guild & Shop

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    Private Art Studios

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    Hand Tools & Benchtops

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    Gallery Spaces & Retail

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    Spaces to Teach a Class

Use It Well

Past Lives was founded by a former prisoner who believed that no one is irredeemable. In the strength of our creative community, you will find a sense of place, purpose and belonging. We share our tools and knowledge to help each person grow.

WHY PAST LIVES?

“I started Past Lives because an experience of tragedy and incarceration inspired me to re-embrace my lifelong dream of building stronger and more just communities. I had a second chance. I would use it well.”

- Morlock, Founder

26,ooo

square feet

176

completed commissions

175

members

55

private studios

Membership Benefits

Use our facilities to create work that brings you joy and reward. Here you’ll have the spaces to create, the resources to build a living as an artist, and the community to encourage and support your growth as an artist, entrepreneur, or hobbyist.

  • • Work in 26,000 sq. ft. makerspace & studios.

    • Access to Wood Shop, Blacksmith Forge, Metal Shop, Machine Shop, Textiles / Fabric Arts studio, Screen printing, Stained Glass Studio, CNC and 3D Printing, CNC Embroidery, Tech Hub, Art Framing Area, and more.

    • Rent a private studio space and create a home away from home for you to create, or to house your business or startup!

    • Get creative at our common art area's work table & easels.

    • Access to storage for project-based needs.

    • Day-use lockers are free.

    • Large loading dock on backside of building for shipping and delivery.

    • On-site bike storage.

  • • Priority consideration for all open positions and requested commissions within Past Lives.

    • Access our shops & skilled labor force for your own projects.

    • Grow your income as a Teacher here and propose your own class!

    • Lean on our full-service team to help you build your business.

    • Sell your work in our retail space.

    • Participate in Gallery Exhibitions, Maker Markets and other events.

    • Take advantage of member discounts on classes and workshops.

    • Invite friends with a complimentary guest pass.

  • • Build with us. Share our resources.

    • Enhance your artistic vision, approach, & skills with our mentor-makers.

    • Grow your business with support from our dedicated team and supportive member community.

    • Learn from expert creators or earn money teaching a class

    • Enjoy connection at our community teas & potluck meals in our communal kitchen.

    • Chill in our cozy upstairs common area.

    • Enjoy live music at a gallery opening or market in our gallery & retail space.

    • Host your own events for members.

    • Ask about movie nights!

  • • Standard Monthly Membership: $200

    • Private Studio Spaces for rent at $3.75 per sq. ft.

    • Our facility is open 24/7 with secure code access.

    • Workshop & Studio Spaces available for ages 18+.

    • Classes are open to ages 10+.

    • Ample street parking & close to light rail & buses.

    • Any questions, please contact: membership@pastlives.space

Past Lives offers me the opportunity to be part of a varied and rich community of accomplished, ambitious artists and makers. I can work with power tools on a furniture project and paint with a friend in a light-flooded studio.

- Phoebe Valenti, Member

Member Gallery

  • Kate

    Geeky painter, sculptor, and designer. I have a passion for bright colors and crisp lines. Always in awe of all the beauty around us.

  • Marina

    I am a multifaceted maker focused on uncovering the authentic through steel. This piece is about platonic ideals in an unideal world.

  • Phoebe

    I am an artist, designer, and mother of two children. Inspired by color and materiality, I seek to challenge my mark-making and production to be immediate and as close to my experience as possible.

  • Purl

    I am a craftsman and furniture maker in dialogue with wood and found objects. My work is a continuous study of form, joinery, and surface as I seek expressive meaning in materials.

  • Billy

    I work in fire and steel, striking hammer blows to create functional objects. My work is richly patterned to reveal metal’s vibrant character. Geometric forms, simple in nature, allow the material to triumph.

  • Morlock

    I create jewelry drawn to myth and making. Through my craft, I explore metals, wood, and natural materials.

Events & Classes

We actively engage with the greater Portland community to extend the reach of our members. To build awareness and opportunity, we offer classes, host market fairs and curate gallery shows.

CLASSES

Our accomplished members create classes and earn income by sharing their craft. With ample shop space and tools, we empower members to grow their methods, insights and mastery to teach others.

EVENTS

Join us for an open house and member-only events. Through an expanding creative and business network, we celebrate community.

GALLERY

Exhibit your work in our thoughtfully curated gallery shows. We build public awareness and grow community outreach for members. Fine art and handmade goods are sold year-round in our gallery space.

For over a year, Past Lives has helped us solve critical product design problems by applying insights, rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing support.

- David Ciampi, Engineer, Bendix Corporation

Commissions

We are makers, artists and craftspeople working on commercial projects for regional businesses and entrepreneurs.

ARTS + CRAFTS COMMISSIONS

For corporate interiors or personal collections, our artists and makers craft one-of-a-kind pieces or limited editions. From bespoke furniture to portraiture to heirloom quality crafts, we unite mind, heart and hand.

Click below to learn more.

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

We design, build and install custom designs to enhance modern living spaces. Whether a kitchen makeover or a new backyard deck, we apply our skill, craft and artistry in each project.

Click below to learn more.

INDUSTRIAL PARTNER & PROTOTYPING

We extend the manufacturer’s capacity by offering a flexible, skilled workforce to build orders just in time. From one to one thousand parts, our process and quality controls are made to meet your industry standards.

Click below to learn more.

Contact

Past Lives LLC 2808 SE 9th Ave Portland OR 97202 T (503) 719-4326