5 Highlights from Maker Festival 2015
The library welcomed 9,000 visitors to the Maker Festival hosted again at Toronto Reference Library over the recent August long weekend.
Over 100 exhibitors showcased a wide array of technology and creative projects, including 3D printers, laser cutters, robots, wearables, virtual reality, origami, crafts, and even monsters in the lake.
Audience feedback was positive. BetaKit writer Igor Bonifacic wrote: “With two floors of the (library) given over to a variety of exhibits and stations, there was so much to see and do. On the same floor, it was possible to see the future of fashion, have an artist from OCAD draw a portrait of you, and make cupcakes. Best of all, a working replica of Star Wars' most loved droid, R2-D2, made a triumphant return this year.”
The library is looking forward to hosting Maker Festival again next summer. Look for a date announcement and details later this fall.
In the meantime, check out five festival highlights – of many highlights – below.
Creative Making on Asquith Avenue
In its second year at the Reference Library, the festival expanded its footprint – adding a slew of great exhibitors and activities along Asquith Avenue, including this interactive pottery demonstration by festival sponsor OCAD University.
Teaching Empathy Through Playing
Another new addition this year was the Makers and Games section, which featured a variety of game creations – from old school console games to virtual reality. One unique item was the Empathy Toy, created by 21 Toys, which is a blindfolded puzzle game that can only be solved when players learn to better understand each other.
Wood Working Boat Creations
The Festival featured talks and workshops on many high tech topics including robotics, coding, and 3D printing. But making comes in many forms and that spirit was in full display at the library. STEAMLabs hosted a wood-working activity that taught attendees – including children – how to use saws and drills to create their own boats. The best part? They got to test run their boats in the library fountain!
A Mantis Preys The Stacks
Robots weren't the only special other worldly creatures at the festival. This giant praying mantis created by multi-disciplinary artist, maker and puppet designer Andrew Lamb also made a special visit to the Reference Library and made quite the impression on library visitors and staff.
Presenting A 3D Printed Toronto Skyline
Among the many festival guests was Mayor John Tory. His visit included a tour of the Digital Innovation Hub with City Librarian Vickery Bowles (above left), where he received a 3D printed gift – a Toronto skyline with the Pan Am Toronto sign downloaded from Thingiverse – prepared by Hub staff (above right).
Bonus: Wearable Tech Dazzles the Electric Runway
Maker Festival hosted an exciting lineup of satellite events. One of the highlights was their launch party, which featured a wearable technology fashion show curated by Electric Runway, which explored the intersection between fashion and technology. You can read more via Betakit.
4 thoughts on “5 Highlights from Maker Festival 2015”
Maker Festival was a blast. Great photos & especially loved that giant preying mantis!
Thanks Suzanne for checking it out – and hope to see you again in 2016! 🙂
Thanks Ab for posting the wonderful things presented to us at the Maker Festival 2015 and to all those involved who made it all possible in showcasing these innovative ideas and interactive displays with the bonus of additional exhibitors and activities outside along Asquith Avenue inviting us all to come inside to see more.
I hope the library can make this event an annual standard for future Maker Fairs. I think it is ideal, with this central location, easy accessible transportation to get to the event and opening the doors for free to learn for one and all completes the experience.
What an outstanding idea coupled with the Digital Innovation Hubs ever expanding ideas and free services offered to the library patrons.
We are rewriting what a library is and our Digital Innovation Hubs are helping to lead the way to the new library, to meet the needs of what is important and useful in today’s changing world, where applications in tech is just part of it all.
What a Super idea in showing us what is possible in the tech world and how we can participate in the joy in the learning of that change , with the support of How to Do it Yourself classes and hands on experience all offered Free at the Toronto Public Libraries
I would invited everyone to continue to explore the new classes and innovators in residence talks and demonstrations at the Digital Innovation Hubs in your area ..at Toronto Reference Library , Fort York Branch and the Newest One at Scarborough Civic Centre Branch and learn what you can do in tech today and surprise yourself in the success in learning and doing.
Enjoy
Thanks Paul for your continued and enthusiastic support of the Hub and our programs! =) We’re very excited to continue our partnership with Maker Festival and look forward to seeing what happens at the library next summer!