Launching MAKE Events At The Hub’s Launch Pad

Almost since the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub has been open, the Launch Pad, which is one of the Hub spokes, has held a MAKE event.

Each month, the MAKE event focuses on a different theme and gives participants the opportunity to make something, visit the Launch Pad and meet the makers.

Most of the events’ themes have been synonymous with the time of the year. For example, in January, the event was MAKE Resolutions. February’s was about Love where participants used the Laser Printer to make custom shaped chocolates, gift boxes and Valentine cards.

March introduced participants to the Raspberry Pi. Participants got to see a display of Raspberry Pi projects and a how-to on setting up their own Pi. They made it rain in April and the MAKER Faire was in May. June was all about electricity and in July, we made things that can fly.

Other scheduled MAKE events include Brew (beer) in August, sewing in September, and Spooky in October (the Hub will be hosting a Maker Ball). In November there will a Feast to make and December will be Merry.

The events are mostly family-friendly and take place on Friday nights.

Mom Cindy Fong had this to say about the MAKE events:

“The monthly MAKE events at the Innovation Hub are a lot of fun. They’re part educational, incorporating demonstrations of high-tech equipment into whatever theme fits the season, and they always have some sort of hands-on activity for participants. Amid the various maker activities offered at these monthly events, there are opportunities to socialize and make new friends. Most MAKE events are family-friendly, and our kids have enjoyed attending as well. What a wonderful resource for our community.”

The MAKE events are casual, and some are more structured than others. Those that want to learn will have the opportunity to make a project. In addition, many of the events offer local makers the opportunity to display, or showcase some of their work.

The MAKE events are truly hands-on giving each person in the family the opportunity to learn and experience something new and have fun.

You can learn more about the MAKE events at the Hub’s Launch Pad at their website.