By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced changes to the 6th annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Due to the announcement that Maker Media, which runs the Maker Faire events and publishes Maker magazine, has shutdown business operations, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has opted to host a one-high-impact day instead of the two-day event in the past. Maker Media did announce it would continue to provide support for global Maker Faires happening this year.
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects. Maker Faire celebrates community members who are making or creating things by inviting them to share with the public what they have made.
“The Grand Rapids Maker Faire inspires children and visitors of all ages with new ways to create and think, offering new educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM),” said Stephanie Ogren, VP of Science & Education at the GRPM. “This event serves as a platform to influence the future of our community.”
“We thank our Maker Faire committee and sponsors for their continued support for planning this event. These dedicated individuals and businesses have supported education within the West Michigan region, and will continue to work closely with the GRPM on other education initiatives,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO at the GRPM. “Visitors can still expect to see makers throughout the three floors of the Museum as well as on the Museum’s grounds for this year’s event.”
The Grand Rapids Maker Faire Call for Makers is currently open for makers to register their projects. Individuals and groups can now sign up at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com.
Maker Faire is looking for participants who enjoy tinkering, hacking, building and designing new technology-based inventions. Any groups or individuals interested in participating in the Maker Faire should complete the application at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com. The Call for Makers will close on July 31, 2019.
The Faire will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW.
Follow the development of the Grand Rapids Maker Faire on Twitter @makerfaireGR, as well as on its Facebook page at facebook.com/makerfairegr.
