about us
Built by makers, for makers.
The BEAM is a community-driven maker space located in North Oakland where Builders, Engineers, Artists, and Makers come together to create, collaborate, and grow. Our mission is to empower creativity by providing access to professional tools, shared knowledge, and a supportive community where people can turn ideas into reality.
history
The BEAM’s history is about family, friends and the deeply held belief that we are most enlivened when we create and build in community. In 2024-2025 Vandy (mom, economist & baker), Leo (dad, lawyer & builder) and Truman (son, student & engineer) had many family discussions around their kitchen table about how to live this one precious life. These talks inspired the decision to go all in together to make a space in Oakland to help unfold people’s creative potential: a center for the generation of local community art and a fabrication engine for the small businesses of resident artists and builders. We also dreamed to create a real home for community to gather and imagine, learn and grow together.
Friends welcomed this decision with open arms, offering their ideas, encouragement and support. And so formed our vibrant multigenerational leadership team (the “BEAM Team”), an experienced and skilled group of artists, engineers, designers, tradesmen and community builders who are invested in making a warm invitation — an offer to join together to generate art and projects that benefit the East Bay and to support people’s individual passions to build.
Finding the space on 1189 65th Street was like a magical strike of lightning for our team. This beautiful, historic, light-filled Oakland warehouse has brick walls that are brimming with stories — some of which you may be lucky enough to hear if are ever at the space at the same time as Patrick and Susan Sallee (two of its long time owners) and its prior tenant Tom Sullivan (who owned and led Sullivan Countertops for multiple decades from this location).
The Beam Team has worked together tirelessly to update and enhance this gorgeous building to provide state of the art shop space for metal, wood and light fabrication work as well as magnetic community and gallery space.
The new story of “the BEAM” will stand on the history of the building, unfolding and evolving within these walls. The name itself was chosen to invite all form of possibility. Benchholders who can lean on solid support to build what they dream of. Radiant smiles of people who are proud of something they have created and made real together. The brightest of light shining on the art and offerings of our community. And beaming you UP to a different place — where you can dive in to create, learn, share and connect.
our SPACES
Wood Shop - Equipped with professional woodworking machinery and workbenches for projects of all sizes.
Metal Shop - Welding, fabrication, and machining equipment for metalworking.
CNC Room - Home to our CNC machine, providing precision cutting and machining capabilities for a wide range of fabrication objects.
Benches & Light Fabrication - Dedicated workspace with individual benches where bench holders can build, assemble, and collaborate on their projects.
Community Room - A flexible gathering space for classes, workshops, meetings, and community events, available to rent for both public and private use.
Front Gallery - A welcoming space for art exhibitions, showcases, and community events, available to rent on its own or alongside the Community Room for larger events.
Gated Outdoor spaces - Secure outdoor areas including a spacious parking lot, side yard, and backyard that provide flexible space for community events, private rentals, food trucks, outdoor activities, and gatherings
We have 9,400 sq ft of indoor space, accessed from two gated lots.
meet the team
MAXI l
Cookie fave: Mallomars
What lights you up?
Transforming & beautifying spaces
Why the beam?
Having a new outlet beyond work where I can lend my skills and learn new ones.
coco w
Cookie fave: Almond flour chocolate chip
What lights you up?
I love challenging myself outdoors — whether its on a river, a ski slope, or a new freediving spot. Traveling, meeting new people, uncovering new perspectives, getting down on the dance floor, and solving new projects while working with my hands.
Why the beam?
Im excited to collaborate on projects, train, and teach in the metal shop. Develop courses for deeper learning, and be a go-to person for questions. I see The Beam as a hub for collective knowledge sharing, community collaboration, skill development, and artist showcasing.
fiona r
Cookie fave: White chocolate macadamia nut
What lights you up?
Making dioramas, taking pictures, contrasting colors, and brainstorming silly ideas with friends.
Why the beam?
The Beam is special in that it’s not just an art studio, not just an event venue, and not just a place to teach, learn, and connect — it’s all of that! As a multidisciplinary artist who values community and collaboration, im excited to be part of a space where people can grow and connect in so many ways.
vandy h
Cookie fave: Salted chocolate chunk shortbread
What lights you up?
Baking — you get to watch the ingredients transform to make something that is both delicious and that you can share. Mountains — I love being with people when they stretch themselves or do something surprising that they didn’t know they could.
Why the beam?
The Beam is creating ease. For creation, collaboration, connection. Getting people together to move towards that sun that we each feel in ourselves — it’s so friggin’ bright when you gave space for it! Maximum fun for me is to collaborate and co-create projects. I can’t wait to work on our first community project — for Oakland from Oakland!
Leo o
Cookie fave: Good old chocolate chip, somewhat undercooked.
What lights you up?
Making art with my crew, climbing somewhere exposed and beautiful, dancing with abandon.
Why the beam?
For me, the Beam is foremost a place to explore, experiment, and take risks. It is a supportive community of creatives building amazing things.
nigel f
Cookie fave: ANZAC biscuit
What lights you up?
Working on spontaneous schemes with smart and caring people. In these situations, I feel I can learn and teach in the best ways.
Why the beam?
Being a part of the initial build-out of The Beam has helped me get closer to the whole Beam family, and I’m excited to see how the space and community grow and change. Working with so many talented people is truly energizing and inspiring.
lauren h
Cookie fave: Blondies
What lights you up?
Hosting people, a spontaneous road trip adventure, and a deep conversation with a friend over a delicious meal.
Why the beam?
For me, The Beam represents an important third space in society. Its more than a workspace — its a place for people to collaborate, get creatively inspired, and find a welcoming home for community. I’m passionate about curating spaces for human connection, and The Beam is a place where I can use my gifts in those ways.
Contact Us
Questions? Observations? Curious about something?
We want to hear from you!