What is Maker Faire?
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments, projects.
We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth - a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Glimpse the future and get inspired!
Featured Makers
Craig Trader's Chaos Machine
A Chaos Machine is a massive collection of tubes, tracks, motors and other widgets that can be used to move marbles around a layout that you build yourself. The machine is set up as a basic framework by the Chaos Wranglers, then participants begin to build tracks, install ball lifts, add stunts, and generally have a good time learning and problem-solving. Over the years more sets have been added, so the machine grows larger with each appearance. Depending upon age and inclination, interaction can range from gathering fallen balls and adding them back to the machine up to and including adding new track and stunts (loops, trampolines, switches, etc.) to the machine. It is suggested that children 8 and younger be accompanied by parents who can provide guidance and direction.
Nufar Studio Designs
Nufar Studio Designs is a jewelry business that I started 5 years ago that displays handmade jewelry inspired by the earth. These eclectic pieces feature natural resources, some even being local (like "sea" glass from the James River). My "Trash to Treasure Project" focuses on repurposing glass found on the shores of the James River. The glass is then cleaned, polished, and wire-wrapped into pendants used for varies styles of necklaces and keychains. Not only is each piece unique, it's also a statement: one that emphasizes the importance of keeping our local rivers clean. Apart from that project, I also offer handmade rings made out of buttons, and eclectic earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TheCraftyMarthaShop
The Crafty Martha Shop specializes in creating a large variety of quality handmade goods, ranging from jewelry and accessories to home décor pieces. Martha’s booths have featured many mediums, including tufting, latch hook, cross stitch, wire wrapping, resin, beadwork, polymer clay, watercolor, acrylics, miniature painting, etching, plant preservation, and living terrariums.
Non-Newtonian Fluid
Join Randolph College to experience a non-Newtonian fluid -- a substance that changes its viscosity based on the stress applied. Enjoy the messy fun!
Horseless Carriages
Two replica Horseless Carriages the two seater has a hand built frame constructed from 1x1 11gauge steel. And a body constructed from 3/4" maple plywood. The drive system is 2-1000watt brush type motors with a single Q4D controller. The system is powered by a 48v lithium battery. The 4 seat cart has the same frame and body construction but is driven by 2-1800watt brushless motors each having a Kelly KBS-X controller. Also powered by a 48v lithium battery.
Mythic Hall Adventures
Mythic Hall: immersive tabletop gaming and creative space for all adventurers. NEW and now open in Downtown Lynchburg. Come roll some dice, play a legendary character and battle epic monsters in a private, movie-quality setting. Experience amazing storytelling amidst immersive sets and effects made to inspire creativity and fun - our 'theme park for gaming'. So, gather your party and let our Game Masters take you on a mythic quest. Beyond gamers, we are MAKERS. We build everything here in our creative space from immersive table pieces, minis right down to the set of the atmosphere, itself.
Finding Pests in Your Home
We will have a model home with pests hidden throughout it for children (and adults) to search for them. Once they have been found, various facts about those specific pests will be discussed along with other ways to prevent pests from infesting their homes.
Hill City AquaZoo
AquaZoo is home to the most unique and interactive experiences among all aquariums! You’ll get the chance to meet a wide variety of animals from numerous different species. Here, you’ll see more than just fish and sea creatures. Discover mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians from around the planet! This is a hands-on adventure, as visitors get to touch, feel, and feed animals from various habitats around the world. You’ll journey through the Amazon Rainforest, Caribbean, Mayan Jungle, and Pirate Island as you interact with sharks, snakes, turtles, and lizards during your AquaZoo Adventures
