The Making Place launches Maker of the Month program

The Making Place is launching a Maker of the Month program, offering artists a chance to share their passion. This new program spotlights one person each month, connecting local creatives with the community and providing a diverse set of events throughout the year. 

Chosen makers receive a $150 stipend to teach a workshop, lead a group activity or give a presentation. They are also interviewed and featured on The Making Place’s social media, website and newsletter. People can apply to be a Maker of the Month online at themakingplacemt.com/post/maker-of-the-month. 

March’s Maker of the Month is dancer, teacher and small business owner Madeline Axtell. As the founder of Rio Dance Studio, Axtell promotes adult advancement and joy in movement. 

“In the context of dance, people often comment, 'I don't have rhythm,’” Axtell said. “This is when I usually remind them: your heart is beating and your lungs are breathing, both at a cadence that's keeping you alive. You have rhythm. It's just tuning your ear to identify that in music.” 

With creative prompts, like embodying the sound of an instrument while listening to jazz, Axtell’s Dance Essentials class encourages a deeper awareness of music and movement. 

This month’s Maker of the Month spotlight event will be an expanded version of Axtell’s class held on March 15 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Rio Dance Studio, 5068 U.S. 93 South, unit 8, in Whitefish. 

The workshop is open to adults and limited to 20 participants. Register online at themakingplacemt.com/calendar.