The Innovation Wyrkshop is a community space that welcomes everyone, no matter the experience level or background. Their mission is to provide an experiential active learning environment across their makerspace to foster community innovation, creativity, curiosity, and entrepreneurship through state-of-the art technology and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Wyrkshop is located in the Engineering Education and Research Building on the University of Wyoming campus.
Rebecca Austin, the Makerspace Coordinator states, “We accept all groups at all ages, from Pre-K to Gray. We have outreach activities ready to go for K-12 groups, or for groups that want something more specific, they can work with our staff to craft their own activities specially designed for their group. With vinyl cutters, button makers, laser cutters, 3D printers, a fully equipped woodshop and plenty of other tools and equipment, the only limit is your imagination and creativity.” Austin continues by saying that local businesses can also come in and utilize a multitude of equipment to change the game of their business and add some additional flair or embellishments to their products or signage.
With over 15 workshops offered weekly, multiple monthly events, and 90+ badges to earn, there’s plenty to do and learn. Austin encourages Laramie community members to join the network with their Maker Access Pass (MAP) program and attend free workshops, earn badges, learn marketable skills, and get hands-on experience with world class equipment, all for free.
Enroll in the Maker Access Pass (MAP) program for free by visiting www.makeraccesspass.com/enroll to get started on earning badges and learning new skills either in the Wyrkshop or from the comfort of your own home. Get hands-on experience and learn face-to-face with in-person workshops by visiting www.wyrkshop.org/weekly-workshops, or reserve the space for some fun personal activities such as a girl’s night, STEAM projects, or DIY adventures.
Those not from the Laramie area can try the Mobile Makerspaces, as the Innovation Wyrkshop’s newest project is now being deployed across Wyoming. Choose between smaller Maker Crates with 5 pieces of equipment that communities can pilot for 1-6 months, all for free, or the Maker Trailers that allow for more equipment to be transported to communities. The trailers can also be piloted for 1-6 months. For more information, get in contact with the Mobile Makerspace Project Coordinator, Emily Leinen, at eschmid@uwyo.edu to learn more.
The Wyrkshop’s next special event is coming up on September 23rd from 4PM-6PM where anyone can come in and craft their own felt stuffed animal. Find more information about this event at https://wyrkshop.libcal.com/event/9593875.