A new event space launched by Exo Roast Co.’s Doug and Amy Smith will open to the public this Saturday, June 25, at 403 N. Sixth Avenue, just behind Exo.

Southern Arizona Work Space (SAWS) will provide lectures, workshops, and other special events to inform Tucson’s public with how-to lessons regarding the changing lifestyles throughout Southern Arizona.

“We hope that the material and intellectual resources provided by the project will help conserve traditional practices and support innovative ones, all in an ethic of stewardship toward the cultural and natural heritage of the Arizona-Sonora region,” Doug Smith said. “We want the space to be focused, but open and intend to offer a place where the many individuals and organizations doing good work here can get the word out and share their expertise.”

The Smiths already have lectures, workshops, and musical events planned for late summer and fall, including lectures by John Slattery of Desert Tortoise Botanicals, historian Tom Vandevender, and Louise Misztal of Sky Island Alliance. Workshops include sponsorships by Food Conspiracy Co-Op, Spanish classes, book clubs, and music.

“We want to create a learning and working environment where people can regain some tangible knowledge we feel has been lost in a world saturated in technology,” said Amy Smith.

The event space will be located behind Exo Roast Co. and Tap & Bottle. The building offers a large space, including “no shortage of tables.”

SAWS will also offer organizations the opportunity to reserve meeting space, should they have the desire for a different working environment.

SAWS officially opens to the public Saturday, June 25. In addition to a ribbon cutting at SAWS at 5 p.m., special events will be held at Exo Roast Co. and Tap & Bottle all day, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, visit exocoffee.com.