Our special guest speaker on Friday, August 30th was Zea Smith who along with her husband Chris founded/created the amazing Creator Zone in Lake Stevens, just over one year ago. Chris is a member of our Club as well. Creator Zone is a Not-for-profit Community Marketspace, a Creative Lab and a community gathering place.
In January 2023, they acquired the 6,000 sq. ft. building. After acquiring the space, Sherwood Williams provided the paint and with lots of alterations to the space, transformed the space to use able space to work with their clients. A safe, warm space, inclusive and inviting to everyone, with so many possibilities and opportunities.
Creator Zone is a network of skill work. Many of the instructors are retired or stay at home moms who have skills in painting or other kind of skills. Creator Zone has connected with the Lake Stevens Resource Center for help with scholarships with 14 students in various skill programs. One student was non-verbal when enrolled in Creator Zone but by the end of the week was very verbal which the mother had never seen who son talk outside of the home.
The Creator Zone model is community driven. Being a non-profit, helps with their stem project. Cost is $30 per month per student. Technology updates are important to keeping the students up to date on the latest innovations. The Robotics class was filled with 19 students. Eight of the students did not know how to use a computer mouse when they enrolled. Basic digital literacy was important showing them how to use the computer.
Since their beginning in the summer of 2023, they have had 3,000 people come through their doors. Lots of the classes are in the evening. Although Creator Zone targeted the youth, it is open to people of all ages. Community support is very important to Creator Zone. Zea asked the question, "Why is stem important especially as AI is taking over the world?" Various hands went up trying to answer the question. Creator Zone has been visible at PTA meetings, Farmers Market and at Food Bank crafts. If you haven't been to Creator Zone, check it out at 9015 Vernon Road, Bldg. G. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday: 3:00 pm-7:00 pm and Friday: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.