MakerspaceCT Announces Fundraising Event in the Historic Colt Building in Hartford to be Held on Friday, May 5, 2017

HARTFORD, CT: The Maker Movement is changing the economic landscape -- and Connecticut is joining the revolution!

MakerspaceCT is currently developing a 15,000sf commercial space in the Historic Colt Building that will. be the headquarters for making and innovation in Connecticut.

To launch the project, which will open its doors in 2017, MakerspaceCT founders Bryan Patton and Devra Sisitsky are hosting a special event on May 5, 2017 from 6:30- 10:00p.m. in the Colt Building at 120 Huyshope Avenue in Hartford. Proceeds from the event, dubbed "Make A Difference" by the founders, will help to fund construction of the new space.

The event will feature live music from The Colbys, demonstrations from Makers, Artisans and Craftspeople, a silent auction featuring local artists and more, tours of the Colt Dome, and refreshments and cocktails provided by The Bees Knees, and beer & liqueur tastings from Hanging Hills Brewing Co., Hog River Brewing Co. & Hartford Flavor Co.

For more information, please visit: makerspacect.com/make-a-difference/. Tickets are $65 per person. Please purchase before April 25, 2017 at MakerspaceCT.Eventbrite.com.

MakerspaceCT is a springboard for innovation, and a new way to boost careers and interest in traditional and advanced manufacturing, technology, and hardware development. In addition the movement is sparking renewed interest for both students and adults in critical STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics). The demand for an organization like this has been spurred by strong, recent growth in small business manufacturing, technological innovation, and DIY activities in communities across the United States.

"It will have an extensive selection of equipment and tools available for use by the public." said Bryan Patton, who is trained as a mechanical engineer. "CNC and manual milling and turning machines, a complete wood shop, welding shop, plastics, glassblowing, a water cutter, pottery, electronics, robotics, fiber arts and industrial sewing, digital fabrication, metal fabrication and even a tool lending library will all be available.”

MakerspaceCT will stand as a community resource open to the public offering classes for all types of equipment and tools needed to make or manufacture prototypes, cosplay, hobbyist, artistic projects, and more.

"It will be a workshop and a playground for innovators and inventors." said co-founder Devra Sisitsky. "Not only will they have access to equipment that they wouldn’t have at home, there is a wonderful opportunity for collaboration. Perhaps if someone working on a project gets stuck, they will have other members and staff to turn to for help. For example, if one member is working on sewing garments and another person is working on Bluetooth technology — they might collaborate on a wearable technology project. The possibilities are endless."

MakerspaceCT is dedicated to organizing, promoting and enabling Making efforts in CT and New England. Our mission includes opening a 15,000 SF Makerspace facility in Hartford to support entrepreneurial activity, provide low cost technical and artistic classes, and engage the community in Making. More information can be found at www.makerspacect.com and www.facebook.com/makerspacect/.