Mad Science and Sterling Engines at the DTLA Mini Maker Faire

Looking for a different way to kick off the holiday season? Check out 2017’s DTLA Mini Maker Faire. Hosted by the Los Angeles Public Library, the DTLA Mini Maker Faire will take place at the historic Central Library in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With 46 Makers and Maker groups on board, and each tackling something different (from artsy rubber stamps and ugly sweaters, to drivable robots and virtual reality), we guarantee that you will both have fun and go home inspired to materialize your own creativity.

Best yet, the DTLA Mini Maker Faire is free to the public! While registration is not required, there are some perks offered to the attendees who register through the Eventbrite page. The registered attendees will receive a DTLA Mini Maker Faire sticker at check-in, which will double as a discount card that is accepted by a list of neighborhood restaurants and cafes on the day of the event. Registered attendees will also automatically be entered into an opportunity drawing to win some cool prizes!

Los Angeles is a beautiful and diverse city that has been at the forefront of the Maker Movement. It is truly a breeding ground for makers, innovators, and artists of all sorts. Driven by a lifelong passion for STEAM, the Los Angeles Public Library (now hosting DTLA Mini Maker Faire for the second time) is also offering over 35 different types of hands-on STEAM programs all year long.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of our favorite makers at the faire:

Los Angeles Public Library Makers: Ziba Zehdar

• Who they are: Baldwin Hills Library is a branch of the L.A. Public Library. They offer a wide range of maker programs to serve parents, children, teens & adults. They also house the 1st circulating #LAPLzinelibrary.
• What they do: At the Los Angeles Public Library Baldwin Hills Branch they host regular MakerSpace hours, led by the YA Librarian, where teens and others may make a zine, sew/create a cosplay outfit, and learn to 3D design/print from our 3D printer.
• Why they rock: Since July, Ziba has brought her diverse teen programming to the branch including programs for international zine month in July, Zinewrimo, and zine writing month in November!

Mad Science of Los Angeles: Sparking Imaginative Learning

• Who they are: Mad Science is the leading provider of hands-on, interactive science enrichment programming.
• What they do: They strive to foster an enthusiasm for learning and critical thinking in every student by bringing science to life!
• Why they rock: These Makers deliver unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational. They define “edutainment.”

Coco Kaleel from Very Happy Robot!

• Who they are: Coco Kaleel is a 10th grader who hopes to support and inspire technology novices and enthusiasts with her website, and her awesome maker skills. Embracing 3D printing, coding, design software, drones, and even Stirling engines, Coco encourages making technology, not just consuming it!
• What they do: Coco will show step-by-step instructions on how to make custom circuit boards for your own technology projects. She will also demonstrate a Stirling engine that she machined from scratch, powered from the excess heat off a cup of hot water.
• Why they rock: Coco loves technology and she wants to share her passion for all things STEAM. She attends conferences and lectures so that she can be with others who share her passion for technology. Even though she is only in 10th grade, she has already taught classes, delivered keynotes, and attended tech conferences worldwide!

Handmade Rubber Stamps: Hannah Matzecki

• Who they are: Hannah Matzecki received her BA in Studio Art (emphasis: painting and drawing) from UC Santa Cruz in 2011. When she’s not playing with paper, Hannah enjoys reading, knitting, and eating too much ice cream while binge watching Netflix.
• What they do: In addition to teaching workshops for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Hannah runs a specialty paper business called Pip’s Paperie and maintains her own studio practice focused on paper-craft.
• Why they rock: From concept to creation, you will learn how to make your own custom rubber stamps using supplies available at your local craft store!

FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1836: The MilkenKnights

• Who they are: Founded in 2006, The MilkenKnights are a group of high school students who build robots as Team 1836 for FIRST Robotics Competition.
• What they do: You’re invited to come drive a real, 100 pound robot designed by high school students to compete in the 2017 FIRST Robotics Competition game. You’ll get the chance to operate the robot and ask questions about how it all works.
• Why they rock: These FIRST Robotics competitors are high school students who are passionate about STEAM, and inspiring the next generation of engineers. They hope to challenge youth to create a lasting effect on their community.

Tinkering School LA’s Big Build: reDiscover Center

• Who they are: Tinkering Club is an open studio for independent tinkering, and classes. reDiscover Center provides art, tinkering, and sustainability educational activities to over 8,000 children per year.
• What they do: Part of reDiscover Center’s Tinkering School LA, Tinkering Club provides real tools and real materials for tinkering, as well as training and support in design, prototyping, construction techniques, and presentation.
• Why they rock: One of the best things about building stuff at reDiscover Center is that you’re building it yourself. They don’t build anything for you, just help you get good at Making on your own. Tinkerers in their programs make everything from wood scrap sculptures to life size superheroes!

Robotics Society of Southern California

• Who they are: The Robotics Society of Southern California is an exciting and fun experimental robotics society formed in the late 1970’s. Check them out!
• What they do: The RSSC meet at California State University in Long Beach the second Saturday of every month. Anyone interested in robotics and other latest technologies such as 3D printing, maker movement, Artificial Intelligence of any age group and skill level is welcome to come to our meetings!
• Why they rock: They build robots! Stop by and see them at the DTLA Mini Maker Faire. Everyone is welcome and no experience required. They have people from all ages and experience joining them who bring simple robots to extraordinary intelligent machines that include both hardware and software. Get inspired by these robots to create your own!

Freaky Bikes

• Who they are: Charles Dandino is a mechanical aerospace engineer, avid cyclist and general hobbyist. He enjoys long rides along the beach and bubble baths (for his bike).
• What they do: Chuck enjoys an artistic exploration of unique bicycle shapes and designs. Chuck also does some electrical projects focusing around RPi and Arduino.
• Why they rock: These bikes are super cool to see! Come check out Chuck’s unique and interesting bicycles; 7ft to the Saddle or Tandem Bike with “stadium seating.” These bikes are really something to see!

Do-It-Yourself Stereoscopic 3D

• Who they are: Eric Kurland is an award-winning independent filmmaker, past president of the LA 3D Club, Director of the LA 3D Movie Festival, and CEO of 3D SPACE: The Center for Stereoscopic Photography, Art, Cinema, and Education.
• What they do: Homebrew stereoscopic cameras and displays, including live 3D video; DIY photography and VR lessons, 3D projection and MORE! Featuring screenings of Do-It-Yourself 3D videos filmed at prior Maker Faires.
• Why they rock: Creating your own 3D image is cool. Learn how to DIY at this fun and interactive exhibit!

Build a Mars Rover

• Who they are: PBS SoCal is the top-rated and most-watched public television station in the Greater Los Angeles area, and the third most-watched PBS station in the nation.
• What they do: PBS SoCal is building a community committed to fostering a positive image of engineering. Kids will explore engineering through fun-packed, high energy, hands-on activities.
• Why they rock: You’ll have fun designing and building your own Mars Rover! Participants will use basic materials to construct a Mars rover powered by a motor.

Check out our website to learn more about these Makers and all our Makers joining us at the DTLA Mini Maker Faire.

The Maker Movement embraces innovation, creativity, and learning to improve our communities and create a better future. What will you make?