ARTS
Orlando Mini Maker Faire
Driven by curiosity and the desire to educate, Orlando's makers show off their skills May 26
Joseph Grey
Published: May 24, 2012
“I think you'll find that, like most of us, I have to take a thing apart to find out how does it work, the ‘why is it,'” Cole says. “Even today, I tend to learn my way through hobbies – and then, of course, it's time to move on to the next thing.”
The Orlando Mini Maker Faire promises a wide range of experiences for those who are brave enough to give in to their fascinations and pry into the how and why of what they're seeing. Makers come in all different ages, with different levels of education and experience, but what's interesting to note is that these all come from Florida, meaning all of this innovation will continue to thrive within the local community and the state. For a complete list of makers, visit orlando minimakerfaire.com/makers. Below, find a small sample of the many makers who will be attending and showcasing this Saturday.
Artists and Scientists
Monster Art Studio
WHO: Jeff Riggan, artist, perhaps best recognized as the muralist for Tijuana Flats
WHERE: Orlando
WHAT: Artist Jeff Riggan will be showing his skills in body paint at the Maker Faire while also displaying and selling needle-felt dolls similar in style and character to the murals familiar to most Floridians from Tijuana Flats restaurants. Riggan is responsible for the wall art in 30 different Tijuana Flats locations.
Johnson Arms
WHO: Brian Johnson, creator of Johnson Arms
WHERE: Tampa
WHAT: Nerf guns are fun, but they aren't always very stylish. Johnson Arms specializes in customized Nerf guns, as in: Imagine your favorite weapon from a movie or video game, and artist Brian Johnson can create the Nerf version for you. View all his customizations at johnsonarms.wordpress.com.
Procyon Systems
WHO: Astronomy-based technology developers
WHERE: Kissimmee
WHAT: Procyon Systems is currently concluding construction on the Kissimmee Park Observatory, where they will offer opportunities for casual astronomers to observe and study the night sky. At the fair, Procyon will be displaying their 18-inch Newtonian reflecting telescope as well as demonstrating their Sky Sentinel Drive system, which allows astronomers to automatically locate any celestial object.
Adventuring Company
WHO: Justin Peterson and Lee Bretschneider, graphic novelists and creators of Very Near Mint
WHERE: Orlando; Tallahassee
WHAT: Adventuring Company is the combined effort of two artists who work together to create prints, T-shirts and, most notably, web comics. ComicBooked.com recognized their Kickstarter-funded graphic novel about two comic shop owners, Very Near Mint, as “Indie Comic of the Year.”
TagBot, the Spray Paint Photo Booth
WHO: John Bent Cope, “artist resident” at FamiLAB
WHERE: Orlando
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