Chicago Public Library is happy to announce the summer and fall 2025 Makers-in-Residence at Harold Washington Library Center, Nicole Lowe and Molly Brodzeller. Both makers will bring exciting opportunities for Chicagoans to learn and apply unique artforms and skillsets while creating amazing pieces of their own.
CPL would also like to recognize all 65 makers who applied and shared their skill, vision, and passion for making and community-building. For the first time in the history of the residency, the application was only open to Chicago-based makers, making the quality and quantity of this application pool especially inspiring and reassuring of our city's place as home to limitless creativity and expression. Thank you!
Meet the Summer Maker-in-Residence: Nicole Lowe
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I'm a multifaceted, endlessly curious weirdo! I am a woodworker, welder, musician, and animator. I'm sure in a few years I will have added a couple more skills to that list but until then, that's the list. Outside of working for the Goodman Theatre Props Department, you'll find me in my studio in the Austin neighborhood making whatever new idea I'm cooking up. I've recently taught short and long form woodworking classes at the Rebuilding Exchange.
Meet Nicole at the Harold Washington Library Center and other CPL locations beginning from late May through late July. Check back soon for Nicole's woodworking workshops in June and July.
Meet the Fall Maker-in-Residence: Molly Brodzeller
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Molly is a Chicago-based artist specializing in stained glass window pieces, wearable jewelry, and functional glasswork. With almost five years of experience, they create a large range of glass pieces from their apartment studio. In addition to designing customized work on commission, they also create items for in-person shopping opportunities, and they use their scrap glass to craft accessible and skin-safe jewelry. They host workshops that allow others to explore the art of glass jewelry making. Through a blend of creativity and craftsmanship, Molly brings the beauty of glass to both everyday life and art.
Molly will begin their residency at Harold Washington Library Center in late September.
About the Maker-in-Residence Program
CPL's Maker-in-Residence program invites a member of the Chicago creative community into the library to build on their digital fabrication practice, collaborate with the public, and explore approaches to making. The Maker-in-Residence is in its seventh year.
Learn more about Maker Lab equipment or check out our upcoming classes.
The Maker-in-Residence program is funded by Exelon, Peoples Gas, and other generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.