Maker Madness to showcase hands-on creativity at SUNY Oswego March 3

SUNY Oswego's Penfield Library Maker Services will partner with the Zonta Club of Oswego and celebrate International Women’s Day with Maker Madness, an interactive and hands-on event on the library’s second floor from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 3.

This free event is open to the Oswego campus and community and offers a family-friendly atmosphere where science, technology, engineering, art or math (STEAM) enthusiasts can demonstrate and learn different skills.

Maker Madness will consist of a variety of tables demonstrating makers' skills or activities, such as robotics, 3D printing, coding, Legos and crafts like weaving, perfume making or any sort of do-it-yourself or STEAM-related activities. Community and campus members are encouraged to participate or volunteer to have a demonstration of their own. In addition, an International Women’s Day-themed scavenger hunt will enter participants into a drawing to win a Chromebook.

"The purpose is for people to learn and have fun and do it in this collaborative and less formal environment," said Sharona Ginsberg, learning technologies librarian at Penfield Library. Maker Services in the library offers open hours and hosts the college's Maker Club.

During open hours, the second-floor space can be used to work on any academic-related projects, hobbies or extracurricular activities. The equipment offers hands-on and creative activities ranging from high-tech robotics to knitting. Maker Services hosts events, workshops on topics like 3D printing or stress-relieving stations with crafts such as rock painting, coloring and more.

International Women's Day on March 8 celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This day represents many of the same ideas that Zonta International is built upon. Zonta's mission is to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy. Maker Madness is geared toward everyone, but will have a focus on encouraging and empowering young women to create their own future.

Those participating in the event are asked to park in Lot 1 on the SUNY Oswego campus behind Penfield Library. For more information or for makers or volunteers wanting to participate, contact Mallory Bower at mallory.bower@gmail.com.