Photos by Stephanie Snyder
A fair that celebrates different forms of science, art and engineering from individuals of all ages came to downtown Phoenix on Saturday, bringing craft and creativity with it.
Maker Faire visited Roosevelt Row, showcasing do-it-yourself projects from a variety of vendors. It was the first time the festival had come to Phoenix.
David Uhlman, CEO of ClearHealth Inc., a Valley-based medical-software company, was responsible for organizing the event. Uhlman said it was time to bring the national event to Phoenix, not just because he lives here but also because Phoenix is one of the largest markets outside of Los Angeles.
“Maker Faires are noncommercial events created to show people what is being made by individuals, teach them how to make different things and inspire them to create for themselves,” Uhlman said.
A lot of enthusiasm was put into Maker Faire, Uhlman said, but it was not an easy event to plan.
“The start button for the Faire was pushed back in May. It was a tricky event to set up because we had to work with the Phoenix Fire Department and make sure all the proper procedures were followed,” Uhlman said.
“Of course, we wanted to have fire-breathing robots, so it was a little difficult,” he added with a laugh.
Approximately 150 people crowded Roosevelt Row to see the different creations on display.
Gary Forbes, a 20-year-old maker from Tucson, stood by his latest invention, a “bicycle boom box” powered by car batteries. Leopard-print fur covered the bicycle from the seat to the double-sided speakers on the back of the bike, providing easy access for an iPod connector cord
“I ride my bike everywhere, and I needed an easy way to listen to my tunes with a little added style. That was my motivation for this invention,” said Forbes, who completed the project in a few weeks.
Jordan Bender, 30, of Phoenix, displayed a do-it-yourself CNC mill, which is a digitally automated engraving tool. The mill can engrave onto anything, including stone.
Bender was at the event promoting Maker Bench Tempe, which is “a place for creative, artistic, hobbyist and business customers to access advanced tools including laser cutters, metal working, wood working, basic tools and work space to complete projects in,” according to the website.
Maker Bench offers classes and retailing kits for electronics, crafts and more. Through Maker Bench’s classes, Bender was able to create his own CNC Mill and put it on display at the Faire.
Bender said he was very pleased when he found out the Maker Faire was launching in downtown Phoenix.
“This site was chosen perfectly because downtown Phoenix is such a central location,” Bender said. “There are tons of different communities here, so this event can attract makers or technology lovers of all different ages.”
Elise Bihl, 20, of Phoenix, attended the event and said she was excited the Maker Faire had come to the city.
“Everyone there had something cool or interesting to show, and it was amazing to see what people can come up with by themselves with their own two hands,” Bihl said.
Her favorite part of the event was the market, where you could buy handmade soaps and jewelry constructed from recycled materials.
“I am glad the Maker Faire decided to come to Phoenix,” she said. “I would love to see more events like this in the future.”
Contact the reporter at nkstark@asu.edu
