Gilroy Taps Into Creative Types With Mini Maker Faire

GILROY, CA — The Santa Clara County Library District will host the Gilroy Mini Maker Faire on July 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gilroy branch at 350 W. 6th St.

From artists and crafters to scientists and engineers, Maker Faires are a venue for "makers” to present their hobbies, experiments and projects in a family-friendly setting. Unlike the large-scale regional events, Mini Maker Faires are more community oriented. More than 20 makers have already signed up to showcase their crafts.

“We have wonderful groups of people ready to share their DIY and STEAM talents,” County Librarian Nancy Howe said. “We hope they’ll inspire others to explore new avenues of creativity.”

Some of the makers attending include FabMo, who will bring upcycled materials and show people how to make wearable art and bookmarks. Cupertinker Newark Space Group will highlight their inMoove Humanoid robot comedy show, which was created by a teenager, complete with interactive trees and hill-climbing robots. The Walt Disney Family Museum will come out to do an art activity, then turn that art into short movies using their multi-plane cameras.

“Events like these bring together people of all backgrounds with one thing in common: a passion for ingenuity,” County Supervisor and Library Joint Powers Authority Board Chairman Mike Wasserman said. “After seeing these exciting maker creations, others will be inspired to bring their own ideas to life.”

Gilroy Library is also providing demonstrations of tools and resources that are part of the Gilroy Library Makerspace programming, including 3D printers, Dremel Laser Cutters and Silhouette Cameo.

Visitors can also make their own creations through a number of activities for people of all ages, including squishy circuits for kids to soldering and wood burning for adults. There will also be two food trucks on hand, so families can make an afternoon of the event.

Gilroy Mini Maker Faire is independently organized and operated under license from Maker Media, Inc. Those interested may get updates about the Mini Maker Faire at gilroy.makerfaire.com.