The DTLA Mini Maker Faire was hosted by the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The event was created by Maker Faire, which was founded in 2006 in the Bay Area by Maker Media. Maker Media is a company that publishes “Make” magazine and sells products relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through its online and pop-up Maker Shed stores.
Event attendees wandered through booth exhibits to observe the latest innovation in STEM technologies. Visitors also attended workshops and presentations, which consisted of demonstrations, informative sessions, how-to’s and panels.
The “makers,” or companies who showcased their products at the Faire, had various backgrounds and areas of expertise. For example, they hosted workshops such as “Create Music From Found Sounds” and discussions about topics such as 3D printing and LED art.
The Society of Interesting People for the Advancement of Unique Social Recreation (SIPAUSR) and Little Bits were among the “makers” at the event. Little Bits is a company that incorporates its technologies in school curricula, while SIPAUSR is a social club that “develops and advocates unique social recreation,” according to its website.
Isa Sylbert ’22 volunteered at the Maker Faire. Sylbert commented about the ways in which she assisted the makers and learned more about STEM through the Faire.
“My experience as a volunteer was very inspiring and enjoyable. I was able to assist Makers in setting up and running their booths, and they explained to me what their exhibits were about. I learned a lot about robotics, engineering, 3D printing and many other topics, and I even had a little extra time to walk around and view each exhibit and ask questions. It was very fun!” Sylbert said in an email.
