The Studio’s Maker Fair on May 9 at the Thornton Community Center aims to spark creativity and remove barriers — with a free, all-ages event designed to showcase creativity, technology and local makers in action.
The fair invites the community to explore hands-on art, live demonstrations and a large craft market, along with the hidden possibilities inside The Studio.
“With Maker Fair, we want to raise awareness. We want to be that spark for customers and we want to show the possibilities of what is available at Anythink and what’s possible at the Studio,” said Mo Yang, The Studio manager.
The Studio is an all ages and abilities maker’s space where everyone can come learn, create and play using technology. With Anythink Thornton Community Center and Wright Farms locations, The Studio is home to 3D printers, UV printers, laser cutters, engravers, Cricut design tools and much more. Best of all: It’s offered at minimal to no cost with staff available to offer instruction and assistance.
“We provide access to cost-prohibitive resources, and that’s not just the physical tools, but the people as well. This allows people to explore things they’re interested in and curious about without a barrier to that access or a high cost associated with it.”
Demonstrations from local artists
Anythink cardholder Nicole Myers and her daughter have used The Studio multiple times to make things. Recently, they created a personalized keychain as a gift.
“I love that this resource is available to the community,” she said. “I personally just am extremely grateful for the library, and I have used and enjoyed it for many, many years.”
Myers has crocheted for over 10 years and will share her craft with others at the Maker Fair. She’ll teach guests how to make a simple crochet bookmark, which given the library setting, she said, “fits right in.”
“It teaches just enough you could take the skills and start making whatever you want,” Myers said.
Myers previously taught a crochet course at Anythink Wright Farms, and she loves teaching others to crochet.
“I feel like this is a very old tradition, and the idea of passing that tradition on to other people is a thing that really interests me,” she said.
Glassblower Jackie McKinny will showcase her art to Maker Fair visitors as well. She will make glass-blown leaves and other small pieces live and share more information about her craft.
McKinney said she loves participating in Anythink demonstrations, in no small part because of the excited comments she gets.
“There’s a lot of ‘oohs,’ or ‘it’s like magic,’” she said.
Pictured above is a scarf Nicole Myers made and examples of the crochet bookmarks fair attendees will be able to create with her.
Shop at more than 50 booths in Maker Fair craft market
At the fair’s craft market, guests can shop for handcrafted pieces, largely made by young creators.
“We want to create economic opportunities for youth, and give them the opportunity to experience a pathway for their own entrepreneurship beyond what they experience at school,” Yang said.
Get hands-on experience at The Studio
The Studio staff themselves will set up small experience zones to allow visitors to “get their hands dirty” according to Yang, while experiencing some of the technology and supplies available.
“The big thing is: We want people to come in and be inspired and to come back because we are a free resource that is here for the community,” Yang said.
All ages are encouraged to attend the Maker Fair, held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. May 9 at Anythink Thornton Community Center. No registration is required, and SVF Coffee will provide complimentary refreshments and snacks.
Add the Maker Fair to your calendar by visiting the Anythink website events page.