JACOB SANTOS
Special to The Leader
In October of last year during Fredonia’s homecoming weekend, the campus held its second annual Mini Maker Faire. The event welcomes attendees of all ages to engage with “makers,” which are artists, engineers, crafters, and scientists, to share their knowledge and skills.
The Mini Maker Faire provides a series of tactile activities such as 3D printing, rocket launching, recycled art making, woodworking, and more.
Last year’s event was held in the Fredonia Science Center and Williams Center. It comprised of nearly 90 makers, some of whom were Fredonia students.
Fredonia is seeking students to participate in the event to showcase their hobbies and abilities, whether it’s music, dance, visual arts or science. A large portion of the event’s attendees are children, who are enthusiastic to learn all there is to offer.
“We want student makers,” said Holly Lawson, an associate chemistry professor and project shepherd of the Fredonia science center.
Lawson is one of the main coordinators of the Mini Maker Faire.
“I would love to see more students getting involved to share their art-making abilities,” she said.
A handful of Fredonia students, ranging in skills and academics, participated in last year’s faire. One of whom was junior molecular genetics major, Alexander Shapiro, who demonstrated 3D printing.
“The event is about everyone making what they can and are good at,” he said. “I was surprised we had a lot of children who were genuinely interested.”
Event coordinators are hoping this fall’s Mini Maker Faire will be an even bigger success with the help of college students to share any kind of “maker” skills they have.
A meeting will take place on May 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Science Center atrium. The meeting is for all students interested in learning more about the possibilities of showcasing their skills by becoming a maker for the Mini Maker Faire. For more information, please visit www.fredonia. makerfaire.com