Hancock Lumber has been a long-standing partner of the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), which provides incredible opportunities for families and children to play, imagine and discover through exhibits, performance, and programming. For many years we sponsored the “Tree to Timber” exhibit at the former Free Street location, educating visitors about forestry management and processing logs into lumber. Today, Hancock Lumber is a proud sponsor of the “MakerSpace” exhibit and the WoodWorks area at their new facility on Thompson’s Point. Featuring workbenches, tools, and wood from our lumberyards, the WoodWorks’ MakerSpace is a workshop intended to encourage open-ended creation. On top of being the exhibit sponsor, Team Hancock also sponsored co-branded children’s aprons for use while enjoying the space, creating and constructing from a variety of materials and tools!
CMTM launched a new series of programming for children ages two through five in the fall of 2023—Science for Tots, Theatre for Tots, and Art for Tots. Art for Tots takes place in the MakerSpace exhibit and aims to expose children to different artists and artistic styles while helping them build social and emotional skills, such as social awareness, self-management, sharing, and confidence. Each week the children are introduced to a new artist, along with the techniques and mediums that the artist traditionally uses/used. Then, guided by a CMTM staff member, the children get to practice using those materials and techniques to make their own piece of art.
Every day in the MakerSpace is different—and, always a huge hit for kids of all ages. While classic art supplies such as crayons, scissors, and glue are always present, visitors will also find an ever-changing selection of specialty materials like fabric, wire, and wood. CMTM recognizes the importance of sustainable creation and prioritizes using supplies such as recycled cardboard, newspaper, bottles, and found objects. Plus, there are tools—lots of them—ranging from pliers and glue guns to drills and hammers! If you haven’t checked out the new museum and theater, it’s worth a visit—and, don’t forget to tag us on social media if you and your family create in the MakerSpace!