BiG Fab Lab Joins MakerFest and MakerWeek September 19-24
Bowling Green, OH - September 20, 2016 – MakerFest 2016 is coming to the University of Toledo Student Union and Centennial Mall on Saturday, September 24. Among others, BiG Fab Lab, Northwest Ohio’s only full-service makerspace is a key sponsor of MakerFest, which has grown into a weeklong celebration of the maker movement, providing opportunities for the public to get their hands on some opportunities to create.
Dubbed MakerWeek, September 19-24 features three separate events that are open to the public. The week kicks off with Maker Night on Tuesday, September 20th 6:00-8:00 p.m.at the Main Branch - Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 325 North Michigan Street, Toledo, OH 43604. There will be free parking in the Library’s underground garage, off of Adams Street. The public can join local groups and individuals for an evening of making and DIY. Learn about tools, art, coding, nature, dancing, 3D printing, and so much more from some of Northwest Ohio’s best and brightest!
On Wednesday, September 21st 6:00-8:00 p.m. Imagination Station will host a special event for vendors and makers who are a part of MakerFest. After nearly two weeks of closure for maintenance and cleaning the science center will reopen on Tuesday, September 20th with a new Tinkering Space called the IDEA Lab. Visit the center during MakerWeek and participate in the September tinkering activity: Linkages. Imagination Station, located at 1 Discovery Way in downtown Toledo, is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10am - 5pm and Sunday, Noon - 5pm.
And on Thursday, September 22, BiG Fab Lab, a full-service makerspace in Bowling Green, Ohio will open its doors to the public, featuring demonstrations and hands-on opportunities that include pottery, robotics, drones, 3D printing, laser engraving, woodworking and more. An easy 15-minute drive south of Perrysburg will give visitors a look at technology and innovation while getting their own hands-on opportunities to create. The BiG Fab Lab includes full metal and wood shops, a pottery studio, photo studio, a state-of-the-art laser cutter and engraver, five 3D printers, a 3D scanner, plus studio and event space, and plenty of opportunities for collaboration. Thursday’s event is free.
This event is part of the week-long celebration of Maker Week. The week will culminate with UT Maker Society’s Northwest Ohio MakerFest, a celebration of the local maker movement that will feature robots, woodworking, kids coding, 3D printers, JitterCritters, art projects, science demonstrations, handmade crafts, drones, and beer-making, just to name a few. “As we all converge on UT’s Student Union, we bring the excitement of science, art, creativity and imagination – all in one place,” explains Mark Bowlus, Director of BiG Fab Lab. “Anyone who loves to experience, witness, or take part in making things will want to join the excitement of MakerWeek and MakerFest!”
The maker movement is strong and growing in Northwest Ohio, and across the globe. Makerspaces have emerged as places where inventors, engineers, craftsmen, artists and students can access the equipment, supplies, collaboration and inspiration they need to bring their ideas to life.
MakerFest takes place on Saturday, September 24 from Noon – 4pm at the University of Toledo Student Union & Centennial Mall. The event is free to attend, and includes free parking. “We encourage folks to Invite their friends, colleagues and fellow makers,” says Bowlus. “It’ll be an event to remember and – who knows – it just might inspire Northwest Ohio’s next big idea!”
MakerFest is sponsored by the UT Maker Society, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Imagination Station, BiG Fab Lab, and others. To learn more about the BiG Fab Lab, MakerWeek, or MakerFest, call 419-971-4244 or visit www.BiGFabLab.com.
About BiG Fab Lab: BiG Fab Lab, LLC is a full service makerspace providing a fully-equipped creative space for engineers, artists, students, inventors and businesses in Northwest Ohio. Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, BiG Fab Lab provides equipment, classes, storage and studio space, plus personal assistance for a variety of crafting, design, manufacturing areas, and business incubation for its member community. For more information about Big Fab Lab, visit: www.BiGFabLab.com
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* For photos of BiG Fab Lab, please contact [email protected]