Cora and Cayla Runnels making button pins
Central Library visitors had the opportunity to stroll through a multitude of artistic and inventive exhibitions at the Chesterfield Maker Expo 2016 this past Saturday. The Maker Expo, a free event beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., was especially entertaining for families.
Assembled in a wide circle around the side room attached to the main section of the library were 12 exhibitors and activities. “Makers” of all kinds, including small businesses and vendors as well as clubs and individuals, displayed their creations – beaded jewelry, hand-stitching, weaving, spun yarn, robots, stickers, and button pins. The Maker Expo was a great opportunity for these local artisans and inventors to share their creations and passions.
Individuals like Whitney Kersey and Stephanie Barr showcased their endeavors – a small shop, White Island Snow, that sells stickers and jewelry, and a small business, Pens, Paper & Paint, that offers children’s art classes, respectively. Also in attendance was a younger group of makers, the LibraryBots, a robotics team comprised of seventh- to 12th-graders. They presented two of their impressive machines assembled with parts made by a 3D printer and additional materials. Other exhibitors like Stuff REDUX and hack. RVA focused on educational projects like Makerchests, kits filled with various supplies and project ideas for teachers. Many, like members of From the Heart and of the James River Weavers, encouraged participation in their crafts and emphasized the feeling of community that can result from sharing a common interest in hand-stitching and weaving. From the Heart members also highlighted the sense of purpose they receive from creating hats, afghans, blankets, and other knit materials for hospital patients and veterans.
Participants, mainly kids and families, also greatly benefited from this event. Some visitors luckily happened upon the expo during their regular book-searching visits, while others, like the Runnels family, made a special trip. All, however, had the enriching opportunity to meet various local “makers,” to learn about different crafts and to participate in some projects themselves.
Excitedly jumping from table to table, numerous kids expressed their eagerness to attempt all of the crafts and demonstrations before leaving. While the “makers” showcased their more advanced work, many also offered similar, related activities for a younger audience. Kids could create yarn pom-poms, spin their own yarn, build cork boats, fold their own zines, paint artist training cards, weave bookmarks, and build LEGO figures. They could also choose informational books from the library book stand, offering books for rent on the subjects of the presented demonstrations and creations, like 3D printing and beading.
The Maker Expo provided a fun method for “makers” to share their designs, crafts, and inventions and for community members of all ages to participate in their projects.
