Author Archives: makerfairefortwayne

By day local  operates Phenicie Furniture Restoration in Huntertown, Indiana, but by night, he makes things some might call otherworldly.

Mark taught himself how to weld just over 4 years ago and ever since, he’s been using scrap metal and other found objects along with his new skills to build things only his mind can imagine.

At the 2011 FWR Maker Faire, Mark filled an entire exhibit with spaceships and other forms to help tell the story of man’s fight against the Kludonites as we expand beyond our own own galaxy.  Asked why he created this particular story, Phenicie said, “well I started by working on an oxygen tank for a B52 bomber and things just took off from there.”

Check out the 2012 FWR Maker Faire to see Mark’s Deep space oil recovery helicopter mounted on a monopod oil rig and what mission Operation Phenicie has undertaken over the last year. 

Local Maker Scott Rizzo came up with the idea, and Ed DeWitt has been helping us get the word out.  See our page about The Race. Check out Make’s blog post as they talk about our unique event at the FWR Maker Faire to be held this Oct. 6 & 7.

Join Greg Jacobs, President of TekVenture and event producer Jane Applegate on WOWO radio this Thursday, July 12 at 4:00 pm as we talk with Matt Kelty about our vision, the Maker movement, and this great event.

If you’re interested in showing off the cool things you’ve been making in your basement or garage, complete a Call for Makers on this website found under the Makers page.  This is an electronic entry.  Once completed, hit submit and you will be entered into our database of Makers and will receive a confirmation email of your submission.  Electronics projects, woodworking, metalwork, crafts, 3D artwork, whatever – if it’s family friendly and you’ve built it, you should come.

For those of you who missed it, Dale Dougherty of Makezine recently spoke to Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN on the power and purpose of makers and Maker Faires.

Dale’s passion about making is evident as is those of us at TekVenture.  That’s why you should register as a Maker or just come see us Oct. 6&7 at Headwaters Park.

The Fort Wayne Regional Maker Faire – Powered by TekVenture has officially launched “The Race” – a featured activity of our 2012 event.  “The Race” (not affiliated with PPPRS) consists of modifying a child’s electric ride on vehicle for adults to ride.  Create your vehicle and bring it to Headwaters Park Oct. 6&7 to drag race through an obstacle course that includes water, gravel, sand, and bark.  The fastest time will earn bragging rights.  Check out the details (including all rules) and registration information.

Our friends at WANE-TV report that just 24 hours after posting FWR Maker Faire to events calendar, event was second most viewed entry.  Come see why this event is so fun Oct. 6 & 7 at Headwaters Park East.

Thanks to Makers Steve Tumbleson, Peter Bolakowski, Casey Drudge, Chris Highlen, Greg Jacobs, BJ Harper, and others who helped make the Wet Swing Set a reality.

It was touch and go throughout the day but finally all technical kinks were worked out, the generator actually worked, and safety was assured, so swingers had the chance to not-get-wet.   Check out Tekventure on Facebook to see a complete photo album.

If you have an innovative idea like the Wet Swing Set and want to share it with others, register as a Maker for the Fort Wayne Regional Maker Faire.

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