#make-along

Success! We had a great meeting Sunday!

First, we talked about how our main goal with all our events is bringing in more people like us–passionate people, who will make stuff, No Matter What 

(but who will make bigger, cooler, more rocket-fueled stuff when we get a big space).

but, also bringing in people who are not yet makers, but who are curious and open-minded.

So, upcoming events:

Please share these Facebook events on your pages, even if you can't come out!

Maker Happy Hour

Meet up with like-minded people, discuss current projects....maybe find new collaborative possibilities!

It's at Two Stones Pub in Newark on Thursday Night. 5:30-8:30pm --> facebook.com/HappyHourEvent

2nd Sunday Make-Along:

The next on is January 13th.  Brian Givens showed us the project today.  You draw in pencil, hook up the  wires and alligator clamps to a battery, and then run one wire along the pencil marks to play tones.  You'll  have an electronic musical instrument you can play with a pair of earphones or the speaker from a musical greeting card! 

If you have them, bring them along.  We'll have some extras.

It's at the Creative Vision Factory in Wilmington, 1-4pm --> http://www.facebook.com/events/412972895438566/

We also went over details for the fundraiser.  First of all, said Jeff, let's get away from calling it a fundraiser... It's an Art Collabrotative Weekend where the main goals are for participants to have a great collaborative experience, learn new skills, and raise money in the process. : )

He brought recommendations from the organizer he's worked with in the past (Echo Lake Collaborative)

1.  For our first time, keep everything shorter.  

Thursday night: intros (possibly show slides of your work) and layout the "resource table." 

The amount of purchased material is small. Since you only have two days to work,   bringing in semi-finished projects that can be expanded on is the way to go.

If each artist brings something fun/funky to contribute to the table, the other artists will generate creative ideas from them.

Work all Friday, and during the day on Saturday, photograph pieces, with Saturday night for the dinner and auction.

Pro: People only have to take off one day, Con: fewer pieces will be produced.

2.  People will need to learn how best to collaborate-it's not a natural process

3.  Select a few media to work in, then build to more over the years. Which ones:

Here we thought-

printmaking, selling the lithium blocks as well,  

frame making (to add value to the prints) -may be able to get supplies from Anne's boss at Harcastle Framing

wood working, because you can produce big, impressive pieces quickly

Leatherworking can also be quick-Josh has tools

Pre-made glass or ceramics can be brought to incorporate into the art pieces

4.  Invite fewer artists at first, about 30. Can build up over time. (Echo Lake usually invites 40 artists,  looking to make 75-90 pieces of high quality art.  Average sale price should be ~$250, with a range of  $100-1,000)

5. Studios/work areas must be near each other to maximize interactions. (Spaces needed for Echo lake: Metal shop, 

Wood shop, painting room, clean room/flex space, spray room. Plus, need a space to set up for dinner and the auction)

We decided we do want a live auction, because it generates more money, more excitement, and gets everyone to focus  on each piece, giving those artists their moment in the spotlight.

Who wants to be auctioneer-we just need some one enthusiastic.

For the dinner: everyone has a chance to look at the work and talk to the artists 

Echo lake usually has a catered trays of food.  For our first year, we could ask members  to bring in large trays of lasagna, or salads, etc.

Point is: People feel like they have to bid because they just got a free dinner.

Anyone know a business who would like to donate food?

So, we're all caught up.  Thank you for your support all. Have a wonderful holiday.

We'll see you soon,