2.0 Maker Studio Opening Today at East Lansing Marriott

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the creative life of East Lansing, as East Lansing Public Library (ELPL)’s 2.0 Maker Studio celebrates its Grand Opening from 4-6 pm. The space is located on the second floor of the East Lansing Marriott at University Place. According to Ripple Public Relations’ Tali Hylen, “the communal space includes 7 rooms providing tools, supplies, computers and software that allow community members to design, prototype and create manufactured works in a collaborative space, sharing resources and knowledge.”
 
Hylen adds that today’s opening will include “light bites, crafts, activities and demos of makerspace projects (including a community loom).”

The space started as the dream of ELPL Director Kristin Shelley, and joins the existing ELPL Maker Studio located inside the Library. For more information on the Library’s Maker Studio, or to book a studio session, visit the Studio’s website. 

2.0 Maker Studio will feature 3D printing, sewing and fabric design, bike repair facilities, a LEGO hackspace, an Arduino lab and space for other projects, meet-ups, workshops and more. 
“The library’s programming staff has a terrific lineup of fun, original and hands-on projects scheduled for the space,” says Jill Abood, head of programming and outreach at ELPL. “We envision downtown restaurants hosting tasting sessions, bike repair shops showcasing how to fix common bike problems, woodworkers carving, knitters tackling a project, designers and creatives holding ‘Pinterest’ type parties onsite, tie-dye projects, families stopping for creative play and so much more. There is really no limit to creativity!”

“We envision this Maker Studio as a multi-purpose space that everyone can enjoy, from crafters and builders, to programmers and hobbyists,” says ELPL Director Shelley. “We believe that everyone is a maker, and a space to design, experiment, and learn, will allow for creation, experimentation and directed instruction - an integral part in fostering an inspired and innovative community presence.”

Diana Cherryholmes Executive Director of the Huntington Arts Council, Inc. in Huntington, New York (on Long Island), grew up in the East Lansing area, attended MSU and “was a maker before the term hit trend.” Cherryholmes believes that “Maker hitting E.L is fitting, as Makers have existed in EL long before the term existed.” She advises East Lansing residents to “take a chance and visit... you may surprise yourself at your own ingenuity.”

The Marriott is located at 300 M.A.C. Ave., Ste. 212 in downtown East Lansing.

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