Spaceworks Tacoma has announced its latest creative enterprise will open this weekend in downtown Tacoma.

Tinkertopia, a store offering low-cost, unique arts and crafts supplies, as well as studio/work space for birthday parties, field trips, and craft parties, will hold a grand opening ceremony on Sat., July 20 at 10 a.m. at 1914 Pacific Avenue, near the University of Washington Tacoma. According to store owners Darcy Anderson and R. R. Anderson, Tinkertopia aims to be a destination for teachers, students, artists, crafters, inventors, makers, hackers, and tinkerers (of any age) in search of unusual materials for any creative venture. The Andersons also accept donations and will even pick up “good junk” and materials for creative minds.

More information is available online at tinkertopia.com.

Spaceworks Tacoma, a joint initiative of the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, is designed to activate empty storefronts and vacant space in Tacoma. Spaceworks Tacoma makes no- and low-cost temporary space, training, and technical assistance available to artists, creative entrepreneurs, organizations, and community groups in order to nurture successful projects that transform Tacoma into a stronger, more active city. Since starting in 2010, Spaceworks Tacoma has supported 44 active projects, exhibited 69 large-scale art installations, activated 24 underused spaces in the downtown footprint, and supported over 130 events and performances. Since January 2012, Spaceworks Tacoma has incubated five new businesses into lease-paying tenants.