If you ever need a project done that involves coming up with an idea and making something, anything, you call the Milwaukee Makerspace.
“There is a lot of good reasons for people to come down here, just to hang out and see what people are doing, see what interesting things are happening. A place to learn skills you don’t have.” –Tom, Makerspace founding member
My boyfriend Jason Hilleshiem joined the Milwaukee Makerspace less then a year ago when we moved to Bay View. Located at 3073 S Chase Ave, Bldg 34, the Makerspace, is large warehouse where members can build anything and everything from a new hobby to a new skill or even a new product. It is a community of 65 members who are smart, innovative and bring a lot of different skills to the table. At the space, you can bounce around ideas with other members and then have the tools available to see the idea come to fruition. But I think I better just let the members tell you a little about themselves.
This is one of their latest projects: The Makers helped created an art installation in collaboration with Wrap Around Milwaukee. The kids in the organization came up with the idea and got connected with the Milwaukee Makerspace to get it to happen. The makerspace first created the blocks and primed them to get them ready to paint. Over the course of three months, the kids painted over 200 blocks in fun shapes and patterns. Then the Milwaukee Makerspace created and installed the structure that will now be on the organization’s grounds at the Metropolitan complex. They donated their time to help these kids get to collaborate on a huge art piece. It was inspiring for everyone involved and the kids will be able to see their hard work for years to come. I am so proud of the members of the makerspace for making this happen. The more outlets for kids to make art the better and this was a big one!
Wraparound Milwaukee + Milwaukee Makerspace Art Installation from Korporate-Media.com on Vimeo.
Check out some of their other latest projects:
custom amplifier
arduino float
drawbot
magnetag boards
tardis
timelapsebot
twittermonkey
iphone tripod mount
lasercutting
systema periodicum
two atari punks
rubens tube
Basically, they are an organization to watch in the near future. For now they are a medium size local organization, but they are gaining momentum fast. There are many more makerspaces popping up around the country and there might be one like it near you. This trending idea of people coming together and making stuff is a hit in Milwaukee and it is so exciting to watch it grow. I can’t wait to become more involved myself and meet more members. To find out all about them simply go to their website milwaukeemakerspace.org and spend some time checking out all the goodies.
