PHCC’s Mini Maker Faire Returns

On Saturday, May 18, the Martinsville Mini Maker Faire is returning to Patrick Henry Community College. A family-friendly showcase of invention and creativity, the Maker Faire gathers scientists, designers, and technology-enthusiasts to give attendees a glimpse into the future with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits of the latest maker technology. The Maker Fair will last will from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college’s Dalton IDEA Center in uptown Martinsville.

From 3-D printing to laser cutting, participants will get a hands-on maker experience - creating custom take-aways with the variety of high-tech gadgets in the FabLab. Attendees can learn to solder and program their own miniature robots, design their own t-shirts, laser cut custom stickers, and more. Some of the equipment demonstrations will include a 3-D Doodler pen, virtual reality goggles, and laser engraver among many others.

“Martinsville is full of cutting-edge innovation. If you haven’t been to the IDEA Center yet, you may not realize the hub of technology that’s right here,” says Matt Ratliff the college’s Coordinator of Community Development. “With the Maker Faire, we hope to showcase the great resources that are right here and inspire people to get creative."

Admission is free, but pre-registration is recommended. To register, go to martinsville.makerfaire.com. To participate in the t-shirt customization, attendees are encouraged to bring their own T-shirts. The IDEA Center is located on 26 Fayette Street in Uptown Martinsville.

For community craftsmen and makers who would like to have an exhibit in the Martinsville Mini-Maker Faire, the deadline to apply is May 6. Contact the IDEA Center at 276-656-5461 or email FabLab Coordinator Chris Wagoner at cwagoner@patrickhenry.edu