James Carlson's blog

As many of you know, 2010 marks the first year in three years that Bucketworks has remained open throughout the whole summer:

• In 2007, we moved from Bucketworks #1 to Bucketworks #2, discovered asbestos, and closed until it was removed
• In 2008, we opened in January and closed again in June due to roof failure
• In 2009, we opened in January and closed again in June due to roof failure

We survived the summer of 2010 without any damage, which puts new hope and optimism into the idea of rebuilding the community that was thriving and strong back in Bucketworks #1 and #2. The way I see it, we're just about where we were in January of 2009 in terms of rebuilding the environment and the community.

After the second flood, we sold off everything and began the search for our new home. This means we have lots and lots of space, but almost no stuff to speak of--except hundreds of chairs and about a dozen folding tables.

What we're asking of you is to bring anything you might be willing to leave with us for a while:

• Tables (especially those that fold closed)--we have about 12 of these right now but could always use more
• Not chairs! We have hundreds of chairs!
• Tools, especially hand or power tools. If you have a table saw, sander, drill press, or any other major tool you would be willing to store-in-use here, we'll see to it that you are rewarded
• Materials, such as paper, wood, paint, LEGOS, craft materials
• Brushes and paint rollers
• Shelves! Shelves! Shelves!
• Storage bins. Storage bins. Bins of all shapes and sizes for keeping stuff in.
• Carts and things that roll
• Lamps that use incandescent bulbs so we don't have to use the overhead lights
• Dividers and walls that can stand on their own to create little discussion areas and nooks
• Plates and dishes, especially coffee mugs, and regular silverware (we've been reusing plastic silverware!)
• Lawn furniture that we can use on the wonderful rooftop deck, esp. tables and outdoor-safe chairs
• Planters for holding plants (unlike all previous Bucketworks spaces, this one has dozens of windows.)

Aesthetically, Bucketworks is much more plain than the last two locations, as we've only begun the process of customizing the appearance to create the kind of inspiring environment we've been looking for. So, if you have some art, posters about databases, font posters, or anything else that you're willing to bring to hang on our walls, bring it to Barcamp!

We're really hoping that this year's Barcamp infuses Bucketworks with the energy that we all felt at BarcampMilwaukee1--even without 650 Ken Griffy Jr Stand-ees.