“…It has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things, some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.”
–President Obama in his inauguration speech
Perhaps we are getting a little grand for a school-sponsored community event, but when Obama uttered these words last January, I immediately thought of the Maker Faire and all the creative, experimental, inspiring folks who participate.  Since our goal is to celebrate that spirit and nurture that culture within our community, I felt these were fitting words with which to announce our very own Call for Makers, which opens today.

What is a Call for Makers?  Basically it’s an invitation to come show your stuff at the event.  We ask you to fill out a form telling us about what you’d like to show at the Faire, so we know who you are and we can keep track all of you, and we choose as many as we can fit to exhibit on October 24th.

But who is a Maker and what kinds of exhibits are appropriate?  Pretty much whatever you make or do that you’re passionate about, as long as it’s something you can easily share with others.  Maybe you and your child have made a box car, and would like to show it off.  Maybe you make hats and mittens out of old sweaters you’ve felted.  Maybe you’re an artist and the traditional gallery venue doesn’t really fit the scale or the mood of your work.  Maybe you teach Indian dance and you could teach it to a crowd!  Or maybe you have a half-finished project in the garage that is just itching for a deadline…  This is your great excuse to get out the tools or the knitting needles or whatever it is you’ve been neglecting!

Your Mini Maker Faire submission can be a display of something you’ve done, an activity you offer to do with kids and adults.  But we are also looking for performers, teachers, food vendors and arts, crafts and other wares vendors, as long as they fit the theme.  If your booth will sell something (handmade goods, DIY kits, etc) we charge at $100 tax deductible donation to Park Day School.  If you’re just sharing what you’ve made with the world, there’s no cost to exhibit.  If you’re selling handmade goods, feel free to use the shorter form, the Call for Crafters, which is linked here.  We ask for a bit less detail here.

The call for Makers will be open until August 31, but don’t wait to submit your exhibit.   And don’t wait to tell your friends who have cool crazy projects about the first annual East Bay Mini Maker Faire!