Maker Space Collective forms
Oct. 17—Dann Schantz, vice president of Venture Robotics, was chosen as the first president of the Maker Space Collective.
This is a new organization assembled by designers, artists, creatives, and fabricators from across the Midland-Odessa area. The collective's first official meeting took place this past September and will continue to meet on the third Monday of every month.
Schantz said he and his team at Venture Robotics led out in the effort to put the Collective together. "It's an investment in the Midland and Odessa industrial community," he said in a news release. "So much changes every day with this technology and we can help curate it here."
Adriana Moreno, a representative of the Fab Lab at Odessa College and a member of the collective, highlighted the organization's purpose and gave some insight into its exciting beginning and a few of their integral accomplishments.
The Maker Space Collective was born out of a desire to bring creators together, she said. The organization's overall goal is to keep up the pace and do even more for the community to engage them in the cause and give back.
When asked about the importance of such an organization existing within the Permian Basin, Moreno said she believes that it is vital to the community not only because of what it does, but for those it affects. This organization not only fosters a connection among professionals, but it also is on track to raise awareness about STEAM education for younger students, the release said.
With these types of resources in the Permian Basin, professionals and students will gain an awareness about the world and learn skills that are needed in the workplace and that will be needed in the future as the world faces a variety of challenges and as technology continues to advance.
There are many members of the new organization. These represent local industrial 3D printing companies, TTHSC, Odessa College Fab Lab and UTPB.
Moving forward, the organization will solidify its position in the community in a variety of ways: professional training, school appearances and local events that they can contribute to.
Dann Schantz can be reached at 432-296-2453
Adriana Moreno can be reached at [email protected] 432-288-1138.
