What's New: Makerspaces

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All Pikes Peak Makes

Applications to share your makes at All Pikes Peak Makes are now open! Please use the form below to submit your idea. We can't wait to hear from you! 

When:  Sat., April 27, 2024 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Library 21c

A maker is someone who creates – to be innovative, to solve problems, to bring something beautiful into the world, or simply to have fun. They have an idea and they bring it to life. Making can encompass just about anything, from high tech to low tech to no tech, from art to fabrication to artistic fabrication, from needles to table saws to software.

Join us for this event as we spend the day celebrating ingenuity in the Pikes Peak Region – by tinkering, thinking, and, of course, making! Past experiences include:

  • Paper rockets
  • Lego builds
  • Local makerspaces
  • Cosplay
  • Whittling
  • Cardboard creations
  • 3D printing
  • And so much more

Want to share what you make?
The application for exhibitors is now open. 

Submit your application here

If you have any questions, please email us at APPM@ppld.org.

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Draw Your Community

We're celebrating our communities through art! During the month of August, patrons participated in PPLD’s Draw Your Community program and submitted a drawing depicting what they love the most about their community/neighborhood.

Several PPLD locations are now displaying their community's drawings throughout the month of September. Artists have been invited to the gallery open houses to talk about their work with the public and to meet other artists.

Join us to celebrate and appreciate the works of local artists from our communities. Each reception will include a meet and greet with artists and light refreshments. No registration required.

An online gallery is also available to browse.

 

 

PPLD is excited to announce that patrons will be able to use a certain number of supplies for free when they visit a Library
makerspace. Whether you want to engrave a family photo on the laser cutter, 3D print a replacement part for your vacuum cleaner, or just learn how to use an embroidery machine, there will be materials available for you to use to test out your designs and explore the space.


In every session, you will have access to:

  • $1 worth (20 grams) of 3D printing.*
  • 1 piece of wood for the laser cutter (6”x12”).
  • 5 buttons for the button maker.
  • 1 piece of wood for the CNC.
  • 2 sheets of embroidery backing for the embroidery machine.
  • 1 sheet of vinyl for the Silhouette Cameo or Curio die cutters.

*This amount is calculated from the standard $0.05 per gram rate for printing. Anything over that amount will be charged at the usual $0.05 per gram rate.

PPLD’s makerspaces can be found at:

We hope to see you soon!

Starting on Thu., July 1, 3D printers will be available for use during Open Hours through walk-ins and reservations at East Library, Library 21c, Sand Creek Library, and Manitou Springs Library! Learn about all equipment available here.

PPLD Makerspace Equipment is also available now at Manitou Springs Library. Learn more about what's available here.

Visit our 3D Printing LibGuide for more information.

Celebrate creativity with us for National Week of Making! From Mon., May 17 - Sun., May 23, we’ll be shining a light on ways to get involved with making in El Paso County. Share your creations with us with the hashtag #WeekofMaking2021. To read more about National Week of Making, visit Nation of Makers.

To kick off the week, we’ll be offering Watercolor Take and Makes at all Makerspace locations (Sand Creek Library, East Library, Library 21C, and Manitou Springs Library). Kits will include simple watercolor supplies and a written and video tutorial to get you started (available while supplies last).

While you’re there, check out our Makerspaces! We offer a wide range of tools and technology, from laser cutters to sewing machines to 3D printers to conversion machines. East Library and Sand Creek Library also offer a recording studio. You can take a tour, book time to use the space, and stop by our Creation Station to take a selfie!


Check out some of the resources below to learn more about what the library has to offer for makers!

Discovery Kits are a collection of interactive items that patrons can check out to explore new topics, hobbies, and interests at home. There are Discovery Kits for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Learn more about the different kits here.

 

Kits:

  • Round Looms
  • Electronic Playground
  • Lego Mindstorms EV3
  • Bee Bots
  • Survive the Quake Engineering Kit
  • Remote Control Gear Bot
  • Ultimate Fort Builder
  • Cubelets Discovery Set
  • Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set
  • MAGNA-TILES Building Set

Tarikh Brown, PPLD's Maker in Residence for November/December 2019, specializes in comics and sequential art. Tarikh Brown is a local artist with a BA in Graphic Design. He is currently seeking an MA in Computer Science: Digital Media Technology, which will be used for developing video games and virtual reality. Tarikh is especially passionate about sequential art, such as comics and story boarding, and loves to share his craft with others!

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

Roxanne Lingle, The Maker in Residence for September/October 2019, is a mixed media artist and teacher. She has been teaching for many years and loves to inspire her students and see them “come alive” when they realize they can do something they never thought possible. She loves mixed media art and all its variety of color, texture, and amazing avenues for creativity. Roxanne has taught many types of mixed media classes in the Pikes Peak region as well as across the United States.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Makers in Residence for May/June 2018 were Charles and Tauni Orndorff. The Colorado Springs natives have been making costumes and props for over 15 years. Their skills include sewing, fabrication, 3D design, and much more. They are currently instructors at the Pikes Peak Makerspace where they teach resin casting, silicon molding, and vac-forming.

They taught Resin Casting with Silicon Molds classes throughout Pikes Peak Library District, as well as hosted open studio hours at Library 21c.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence for March/April 2018 was Joanna Bolek. She has taught art processes in the context of mindfulness/awareness for over 20 years to diverse populations. She has a masters degree in art education. She is also a qualified meditation and Dharma Art instructor.

Sarah tought throughout Pikes Peak Library District, as well as hosting open studio hours at Library 21c.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker in Residence for January/February 2018 was Charlie Mussi, an award-winning retired photojournalist whose work has appeared in national newspapers, international magazines, and table-top books. In 2001, he was recognized as one of the world's 125 finest photographers and set out on a unique global photographic essay to record "A Day in the Life of the U.S. Armed Forces." Since retiring, Charlie has rediscovered the fun of photography and enjoys teaching, coaching, and conducting photography workshops. In 2015, Charlie started the PPLD Community Photography Contest to recognize the amazing photography talent in the region.

Charlie taught Digital Photography as Art & Play classes throughout the Library District, as well as hosted studio hours at Library 21c, where patrons could talk to him about his work.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Makers in Residence for November/December 2017 were Charles and Tauni Orndorff. The Colorado Springs natives have been making costumes and props for over 15 years. Their skills include sewing, fabrication, 3D design, and much more. They are currently instructors at the Pikes Peak Makerspace where they teach resin casting, silicone molding, and vac-forming.

They taught classes about creating silicone molds throughout the Library District, as well as hosting studio hours at Library 21c.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker in Residence in August/September 2017 was Deb Bartos, who has always been fascinated with new discoveries in the natural world and has been hiking and exploring for as long as she can remember. Rediscovering creative expression in painting as an adult has enhanced her learning to see even more in nature. Her work is best categorized as realistic impressionism, as she captures light and color often on location in oil. To see some of her work, visit DebBartos.com.

She will be taught Painting in Water-soluble Oils classes throughout the Library District, as well as hosting studio hours at Library 21c, when she discussed her work.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker in Residence for June/July 2017 was Deb Prewitt, a Certified Zentangle® Teacher (CZT) and a Mixed Media Artist. She has been making art and creating all of her life, finding most of her inspiration from Mother Nature (living in Colorado makes it easy to find that inspiration on a daily basis). She has developed numerous classes around the Zentangle practice and has also incorporated it into other aspects of her art. Deb believes in curiosity, creativity, and playfulness. She knows that bringing art and creativity into our everyday lives will make us happier and healthier. Deb also owns Blue Twig Studio, where she teaches classes, hosts art groups, and sells mixed media and Zentangle art supplies.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence for May/June 2017 was Barbara Dimond. She considers herself a mixed media artist working in out of the box processes in collage, as well as paper mache. Originally from New York City, she has been living in Colorado Springs and New Mexico for her adult life. Trained as a handmade paper artist, she collects papers and fibers found, bought, and prepared. Barbara teaches art around the region and has been on the faculty of the Fine Arts Center Bemis School of Art for well over 20 years. She loves to share her artistic ideas and processes with her students. Barbara went to the City University of New York, getting a degree in art and art education. She then did her graduate work in Southwest Studies at the Colorado College.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence for March /April 2017 was Linda Smith, an artist and art educator who started a non-profit while living in Kigali, Rwanda, called the “TEOH Project”, which provides cameras and art classes to children in Rwanda, Ghana and Bronx NY. She has been commissioned by the UN to provide photographic classes to survivors and former perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. She earned her BA from Syracuse University an MA in Communications at Goldsmith College at the University of London and an MFA from the University of Connecticut. Her work has been exhibited in the United Nations, embassies, and universities.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Makers in Residence for January and February 2017 were Ron Cousar and Dr. Wanda Tisby-Cousar.

Ron Cousar has played R&B, blues, and jazz for many years. In addition to studio work with Savoy Records, he has played with bands in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Baltimore, and now Colorado Springs. He has dedicated his talents to playing blues, R&B, funk and jazz. His influences include Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, and a host of other artists.

Dr. Wanda Tisby-Cousar storytelling and dance to coach innovation and artistic ability. Sande Leadership, a model Dr. Wanda developed, is based on ancestral lineage to the Mende of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Tisby-Cousar has studied tap and interpretive dance since the age of four with Sydney King School of Dancea nd performed with Afi West African Dance Ensemble.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker in Residence for November 2016 was Jo Hart.

Yearning for a change from her Midwest living Jo moved to Colorado less than 18 months ago. She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications. She has worked in the art and design fields throughout her career in the corporate, private, ad agency and not-for-profit sectors. Jo primarily works in clay making sculptural objects with a focus on feminine concerns. Recently she has been making utilitarian pieces and mixing multiple surface decoration techniques to create a balance between discord and harmony. Jo likes to make everyday and if she can’t she is sad.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Artist in Residence for September and October 2016 was Deb Bartos, an oil painter who loves exploring the natural world and teaching students about color. She continues to develop her knowledge about how light and color work together, and is fascinated by the process.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Artist in Residence for August/September 2016 was Brian Looney.

"I learned to draw while sitting alone at the kitchen table. Art is about self-discovery, and there truly is no rule book. The more you do a thing, the more that thing develops, and everything you do along the way is unique. Excuse the play on words... I was born in 1985, and that was a kooky year. Albuquerque, NM is my hometown, and I moved to Colorado for the nature and the art. I haven't been disappointed. Additionally, I am a published poet and a yoyo artist. That last might fall under the 'geek' category, but you may view it all at brianlooney.com. I look forward to meeting you!" ~Brian Looney

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker/Artist in residence for June and July of 2016 was Patricia Moore. Patricia has been making all kinds of crafts forever. She believes in the magic of arts/crafts bringing wholeness and joy into life. She has been teaching arts/crafts to children and adults since around 1985. Patricia believes in Expressive Art and has used that to help children in different programs such as CASA.. Polymer clay is the main medium that she works with finding its possibilities near endless. Patricia lives in beautiful Black Forest on five acres with her teenage sons and many delightful animals.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

PPLD's Maker in Residence for May and June of 2016 was Amy Griswold, a professional seamstress with over thirty years of experience in clothing construction and industrial sewing. She is self-taught and continued her education as an apprentice in her sister’s shop, Mary Pope Custom Sewing, where she learned techniques in alterations, custom clothing design, re-upholstery, canvas work, as well as large scale production industrial sewing. Her body of work includes everything from wedding gowns and costuming to boat covers and custom reupholstery. Her motto is “show me a picture and I can make it for you.”

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information about this program.

As a California native and self-taught baker, current PPLD Artist in Residence Christine Yocum was introduced to baking at a young age by her father and grandmother. Imagine a former left tackle in college teaching his nine-year-old daughter the finer points of cookie-making. Those sweet moments birthed in her a lifelong passion for baking—in particular cookies—and the eventual opening of Art & Style Baking, an online gourmet cookie company specializing in hand-painted cookies.

Even now, when her hands are steeped in cookie dough, she can sense his tender nod of encouragement and approval. While her dad passed away before he could enjoy "the fruits of his labor," her tender-hearted daughter assures her that he would be proud.

Christine will host classes throughout the Library District about cookie painting, as well as open studio hours at Library 21c where you can watch her work and talk to her about her art.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information.

PPLD's newest Artist in Residence is Diane Crawford, a contemporary artist with twenty years experience. Originally from the upper Midwest, she left careers in corrections, law enforcement and social work to pursue the arts. While primarily self-taught, she has attended watercolor workshops by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Diane has recently lived in Hawaii and Las Vegas, and her works reflect the influences of her life and experiences.

Her mediums of choice are watercolor and alcohol inks. Her painting style is unique. She paints free-hand without drawing her designs first and rarely uses paint brushes. She uses old credit cards and drinking straws on her alcohol inks, and a palette knife on her watercolors.

Diane will host classes throughout the Library District about alcohol inks, as well as open studio hours at Library 21c during which time you can watch her work and talk to her about her art.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information.

PPLD's newest Artist in Residence is Erin Gillespie, a multimedia artist currently residing in Colorado Springs. Her paintings are primarily figurative or portraits, full of bold, bright colors and expressionistic qualities. After receiving her Bachelors degree in Fine Arts and Painting from Colorado State University, Erin lived for many years in Portland, Oregon and Tucson, Arizona before returning to Colorado. She held positions at Pinon Fine Art Gallery and Terra Firma Fine Art in Denver, Colorado and was a member of the Arts Student League of Denver for many years. Erin is currently an art instructor teaching numerous classes at both Bemis School of Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Her work has been displayed in numerous galleries and venues, in both group and solo shows.

Erin hosted classes throughout the Library District about acrylic painting.

Visit PPLD's Maker/Artist in Residence page for more information.