Kelly Hofer is a Maker who was raised Hutterite and has been practicing photography for 20 years. Although he works primarily in photography, his artistic endeavors span across a multitude of mediums such as furniture, light sculptures and electronics. A stand out piece is the 3×4 ft etched glass lightbox he created depicting a scene from at home in the Hutterite colony.
Growing up in a culture that has cultivated and promoted the concept of community for over 500 years, Fuse33’s community oriented space serves a home away from home for him. Kelly has been a long time friend of Fuse, after meeting the founders Shannon and Maria through the art shows they hosted prior to Fuse33’s conception. Kelly became a member soon after the launch of Fuse33 as he was in need of a larger space to realize his creations.
Fuse33 serves many purposes in Kelly’s craft. It’s a practical space, as it gives him access to diverse tools and workrooms to create his projects that would otherwise be too messy to embark on at home. Moreover, Fuse33 fosters a network of innovative individuals that aid in keeping the maker spirit alive. This resonates particularly with Kelly, as he is able to explore and fuel his creative pursuits other than photography.
Kelly feels that being able to work freely in a space surrounded by talented peers has helped expand his creative thinking which in turn has inspired his photography over the years. He has maintained a successful career in the photography industry with his photos reaching hundreds of clients, many of whom he was connected with through Fuse33.
For Kelly, Fuse33 isn’t just an important addition to Calgary’s community, he believes it’s critical:
“It's a space where people can develop ideas and build them into businesses without the crippling costs and paperwork usually required for such ventures. The way it brings everyone together is also vital for building and more importantly, maintaining a community of creative people.”
Whether you’re interested in expanding the possibilities of your creative endeavors like Kelly or want to see what else Fuse33 has to offer, this is your hub for all things maker. Check out our different levels of memberships below, and sign up today!
I find that Fuse33 has done an outstanding job at creating and sustaining a community that is meaningful and life-improving to people.
I don’t think it’s just important, I think it’s a critical addition to the community.
It’s also an excellent place to meet a cacophony of creative people that have interesting things going on, which I don’t normally get in working from home.
Kelly Hofer
Kelly Hofer Studios
Share space, equipment and a wonderful community of makers
Become part of a community where creation and collaboration are the heart of everything we do. Fuse33 was conceived out of the need for artists and makers to use a space with professional-level equipment without the hug up-front cost.
Our Memberships
Join a community of makers and resources that can kick-start your business!
MIG Welder TIG Welder Grinding Wheel/Disc Sander Polishing and Deburr Chop Saw (Cut-Off Saw) Plasma Cutter Horizontal Band Saw
Brake (Floor Mount) Shear Tube Bending Station Air Compressor Drill Press (Floor Mount) High Precision Metal Lathe 30-ton Hydraulic Press
SOFT SHOPS
Electronics Lab
Measurement Tools
4x Digital multi-meters Digital oscilloscope Digital calipers (several basic and premium)
Cutting and Stripping Tools
Automated wire-stripper Wire strippers x3 Wire cutters x6 Tin snips x2 Dremel 4300 Rotary Tool with 64 attachments for grinding, sanding, polishing, etc. (including Flex Shaft) Utility knives X-Acto knives
Soldering and Desoldering Tools
4x Hakko FX-888D soldering irons with precision tips Full-size industrial desoldering vacuum tool Solder wick 0.032″ (21 gauge) Sn63/Pb37 RMA soldering wire and a variety ofunleaded and no-clean gauges.
Safety
Safety glasses Breathing masks for grinding/painting Grounded wrist straps
Magnification
USB Microscope Magnification lamp
Power Supplies
Variable voltage and current limited power supply 12v, 5v, 3.3v, -12v fixed output power supply.
Screwdriving
Full precision screwdriver set x2 Insulated (1000 volt) screwdriver set
Tweezers
Full set of precision non-magnetic, anti-static, ESD-safe tweezers (flat-head, curved, bent and standard).
Vices
Panavise Standard Panavise Junior Third hand with adjustable, articulating holding arms (a joy to use)
For more, please come on down to the shop and check out our electronics lab.
You also have full access to all the tools in our main Tool Crib!
Sewing Shop
4x Bernina 330 sewing machines
The 3 Series from BERNINA is high on both style and function. The B 330 offers a wide variety of stitches, from the practical to the decorative. Its ergonomic features are designed to make your sewing easier and its portable size allows you to take it with you wherever your sewing leads you.
3x Industrial Sewing Machines
1x PRS100 Brother Embroidery machine
The Persona PRS100 is the most versatile, single needle embroidery machine that can do sew much more! Its tubular free arm configuration gives you the flexibility and ease to embroider difficult to reach areas all while reducing fabric tangles. Persona advances your creativity with key features such as anytime bobbin access, large embroidery area, free arm embroidery & Droplight™ Embroidery Positioning Marker.
Software Library
We have a top of the line computer workstation along with the software you need to render and finish your projects, including:
The full Adobe Creative Cloud including
Photoshop CC Illustrator CC Premiere Pro CC Adobe Audition Adobe After Effects Lightroom etc.
Sketchup Fusion360 Slic3r MeshMixer Fritzing
We will be adding software as it’s demanded, so please let us know if there is anything else you need.
4x da Vinci Jr. 1.0 (FREE to use for all members after taking our XYZ Davinci Jr 3D Printer Certification) Wanhao Duplicator i3 (upgraded for increased versatility and use with exotic filaments such as carbon fiber, stainless steel, and other composites) TEVO Little Monster TEVO Black Widow Formlabs Form 2