Join us at the Near North Makerspace on Friday, May 22, for an Artist Talk with our current Artist in Residence, Cell Driver.
This free public event marks the end of Cell’s 17-week residency and is an opportunity to hear about the work they’ve created during their time at the makerspace.
About the Artist Talk
Over the past several months, Cell has been developing new work while also playing a major role in shaping the Near North Makerspace into a more welcoming, creative, and engaging space. From the atmosphere to the details, much of what visitors experience today reflects their time, care, and creativity.
In addition to their residency work, Cell has helped build community through initiatives like the Digital Guild drop-in program, creating space for people to gather, experiment, and create together.
At this artist talk, Cell will share insights into their creative process, discuss the work produced during the residency, and reflect on their experience at the makerspace. A Q&A will follow.
Looking Ahead
While their residency is coming to an end, this is not the end of Cell’s time with us. They will be continuing at the Near North Makerspace in a new role as Makerspace Co-Coordinator.
Event Details
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Artist Talk: 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Q&A: 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Near North Makerspace, 108 Main Street East, North Bay
Admission: Free
Chit chat, crafting, and refreshments will follow the talk.
RSVP Now! ]]>
Near North Mobile Media Lab is pleased to welcome Cell Driver as the current Near North Makerspace Artist in Residence.
During their 17-week residency, Cell Driver is developing T.R.Y. (Try and Recycle Yourself), a project centered on trying, exploring, researching, and discovering new directions in their practice while deepening their connection to environmental themes.
T.R.Y. explores the determination to try something new and the idea of “recycling yourself” as a metaphor for renewal: transforming into a fresh form while retaining the same material composition. Building on this concept, Cell Driver uses garbage, described as “garb that ages,” as a guiding framework for the residency, creating an engaging artistic response to the climate crisis.
The residency focuses on identifying a visual aesthetic that is both illustrative and sculptural, using digital fabrication and projection mapping while merging soft sculpture with digital processes through sewing and gathered materials. The makerspace environment supports an approach of testing one piece of equipment at a time and allowing discoveries to guide the work.
Throughout the residency, Cell Driver is exploring multiple tools and methods, including 3D printing and scanning using found forms and repurposed materials, projection mapping onto sewn structures, and creating work in mobile and immersive environments using an iPad Pro, Wacom tablet, and Meta Quest headsets. For sound and documentation, they are working with 6K cameras, microphones, and podcasting tools, supported by post-production workflows in Adobe Creative Cloud and DaVinci Resolve.
By the end of the residency, Cell Driver aims to produce a series of sculptural and projected works blending personal history, technical skill-building, and environmental activism, with an emphasis on reimagining waste as a source of creativity and possibility.
Digitial Guild
Tuesdays, 3pm–9pm
Near North Makerspace
As part of the residency, Cell Driver is leading Digital Guild, a weekly drop-in program at the Near North Makerspace on Tuesdays from 3pm to 9pm. The guild offers a relaxed space for community members to explore digital tools and creative technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, sewing, digital drawing, video editing, audio, and more.
Open to all skill levels, Digital Guild reflects the residency’s emphasis on experimentation, accessibility, and collaborative learning within the makerspace environment. Participants also receive a one-month free membership to continue exploring beyond the sessions.
Learn More HERE
Artist Bio
Cell Driver is a bilingual queer new media artist from the Eastern Townships of Quebec, currently located in North Bay. Working across illustration, animation, sculpture, and digital fabrication, their practice critically engages with digital aesthetics and research-driven approaches to technology to explore the climate crisis through the lens of their neurodivergent experience.
Alongside their art practice, they are invested in public engagement, workshops, and collaborative experimentation to activate creative spaces and invite curiosity, dialogue, and collective reflection. During this residency, Cell Driver is expanding their practice by engaging with a new community and embracing novel experiences to push their professional artistic development forward.
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[North Bay, ON, November 26, 2025] – The Near North Makerspace is excited to be open to the public during the Downtown Christmas Walk on Friday, November 28, from 6 to 9 pm. Everyone is invited to stop in, get out of the cold, and enjoy a warm, creative break at 108 Main Street East, complete with hands-on activities and tech demos.
Visitors can sip warm cider while exploring a range of creative stations throughout the space, including 3D printing demonstrations, VR headsets, and an audio mixing station. The evening offers a fun preview of the tools and technology that will be part of upcoming Makerspace programs.
Two special guests will also join the festivities to share a few words on the importance of celebrating STEAM and the arts in the North.
- Justine Mallah, City Councillor, speaking at 7 pm
- Pauline Rochefort, Member of Parliament, speaking at 7:30 pm
This open house provides a welcoming stop along the Christmas Walk route, and all are encouraged to drop in, explore, and learn more about the growing Makerspace community in downtown North Bay.
About the Near North Makerspace
The Near North Makerspace is a welcoming creative hub for artists and makers to build, create, and connect. A place to tinker, experiment, and play with new materials and ideas, it fosters collaboration through an inclusive culture of making. Whether people arrive with curiosity or experience, the Makerspace offers space to share skills, spark ideas, and build a sense of belonging across generations and communities.
The Near North Makerspace is supported by Canada Council for the Arts and the NOHFC, through their Workforce Development Program, with additional support from community partners.
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Jameson Toye
Communication Officer
705-476-6402
[email protected]
September 29, North Bay, ON – Near North Makerspace is a creative hub in downtown North Bay opening to the public on September 29th with a community event at 7 pm.
Free community drop-ins are on Mondays at 7 pm. Community members can learn about the tools and offerings of the Makerspace and share what they want to see in the space. Come in to tinker, talk about your dream project, or learn about creative pursuits. “We want to hear directly from our community about what they want in their makerspace. These nights are a chance to really connect with one another in a creative space.” Yaa Clark, Makerspace Coordinator.
Responding to a need in the community for social spaces that have access to high end tools, the Makerspace is built by community, for community. It’s a hub for hands-on learning and creation, giving the community access to emerging digital tools, creative technologies, and production equipment in a collaborative environment.With sensory support kits and access to art supplies and fabrication materials, the Makerspace is for everyone.
“The Makerspace is about creating a welcoming place where people can come together, share ideas, and feel part of a creative community. Our Monday drop-ins make it easy for anyone to step in, explore, and start building connections.” Sharon Switzer, Executive Director, Near North Mobile Media Lab
The Near North Makerspace is generously funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, and will host workshops, classes and hands-on learning throughout the year.
The Makerspace operates on a membership basis offering monthly memberships and daily passes to the community. Our operating hours are Monday & Tuesday from 5 – 9 pm and Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm. We can be found at 108 Main Street East, close to public transit and parking.
Contact us for more information about community drop-ins or memberships online at nearnorthmakerspace.ca, on Facebook as Near North Makerspace or by phone at 705-482-8070.
Contact Information: Yaa Clark
Makerspace Coordinator
[email protected]
nearnorthmakerspace.ca
705-482-8070
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