DIY enthusiasts gathered at the White House today at President Obama's invitation, showing off their work at the first-ever White House Maker Faire.
The president said he hopes to “inspire a new wave of innovation” generating new jobs and new industries to help rebuild America's economy.
More than 100 makers from 25 states were confirmed to attend, including "extreme marshmallow cannon" maker Jody Hudy, Super-Awesome Sylvia, who participated in Boing Boing's own Ford-sponsored automobile Hack Day.
Among the many Boing Boing friends participating, Tara Brown, of the family-friendly LA Makerspace, and our friends at Makerbot, who produced the 3D representation of the White House below.
Today's event is part of the Obama administration's science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.
From the Washington Post:
“Through the generations, American inventors have lit our homes, propelled humanity into the skies, and helped people across the planet connect at the click of a button. American manufacturers have never stopped chasing the next big breakthrough,” he said in a proclamation establishing June 18 as a National Day of Making, that he said would serve to “celebrate and carry forward this proud tradition.”
Tune in for the first-ever White House Maker Faire starting at 10am ET: http://t.co/xw80gvKQSL #NationOfMakers pic.twitter.com/8XfvX9OHLe
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 18, 2014
Robot giraffe! #NationOfMakers pic.twitter.com/U4aZtiAFAA
— David Walsh (@ASMEEditor) June 18, 2014
I'm here at MakerFaire at the White House! pic.twitter.com/qLyIAA3xwl
— Super-Awesome Sylvia (@MakerSylvia) June 18, 2014
ALSC Pres Starr LaTronica is ready to attend the 1st White House’s Maker Faire! #NationOfMakers pic.twitter.com/PMYgUJJIoT
— alscblog (@alscblog) June 18, 2014
Russell the Electric Giraffe meets President Obama #WhiteHouseMakerFaire #NationOfMakers http://t.co/PezfE0NfJI pic.twitter.com/SPUZhPxoBG
— MAKE (@make) June 18, 2014