Maker Faire Nantes is quickly shaping up to be the Maker’s Maker Faire. Everyone who has participated at a Maker Faire – selling their wares, showing their projects – can tell you that the experience is incredible. Not only do you get the pleasure of demoing your projects to crowds of excited onlookers, but you also get the camaraderie that happens when you spend a weekend with your fellow participants. Behind the scenes at a Maker Faire, connections are made that last a lifetime. New partnerships are born, new projects conceived, and lives changed forever.
So why is Nantes, a comparatively small town in France, drawing so much attention? Because of the Makers who will be in attendance. Here are a few of the amazing sights to be seen on the Isle of Nantes this year:
Kumo the Giant Spider
Those with a fear of arachnids may want to stand clear. This massive spider will be walking the grounds. Hydraulically driven, Kumo interacts with audience members and a few lucky people will even be chosen to ride on its back!
Dirk the homeless robot
Often mistaken for an actual vagabond, Dirk the homeless robot will be wandering the grounds at Maker Faire Nantes. He has traveled all over the world and proven to be an interesting sight no matter where he appears. People often have to approach him to confirm whether he is a true wanderer or a robot in disguise.
Serpent Twins
These fire breathing twin serpents were born from the mind of Jon Sarruigarte as a Burning Man art piece. Pulled from Norse mythology these pieces feature hand crafted metal bodies that slither to and fro as they are driven by the pilot. Once it gets dark, lights embedded within them allow them to glow and pulse, adding to the ethereal experience of their fluid movement.
The Great Elephant
Standing at 12 meters tall, the Great Elephant truly stands up to its name. It weighs roughly 45 tons, constructed from steel and wood and can carry up to 49 people as it strides along. The view of the Maker Faire from atop the great elephant will be a sight to behold!
Skryf
Laying down poetry in sand as it travels along the ground, Skryf is a shining example of both artistic robotics and the temporary nature of event experiences. The poetry written in sand begins completely legible and as the pedestrians walk on it, and the wind blows it around, it becomes a vaguely recognizable trail that, if you follow it, will take you to the robot itself.
Maker Faire Nantes is not only about giant art and kinetic sculpture, though that does seem to be the theme for this event. Diversity is the key to a good Maker Faire and this one is no different in that aspect. All kinds of makers are wanted from roboticists to fiber artists and everything in between.
There are still spots open to exhibit at this Maker Faire. The organizers are calling for entrants from all across Europe to come and be a part of this incredible collection of amazing sights. To apply, fill out the form on the Maker Faire Nantes website as soon as possible.
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