Heather Wortman, owner of Mom's Best Breads based in Parma, demonstrates how to make and feed sourdough during a workshop at the faire. The class was packed with people wanting to learn how to make their own. She covered such topics as starter, fermentation and tools, saying one of the most important tools is an electronic scale. Wortman makes her own bread and baked goods from her home and has been doing so for about a year, saying that when she started she never dreamed it would turn into a small business. For more information, including where to find her homemade loaves or where to take a class, find Mom's Best Breads on Facebook.
Katzy Luhring and Jenne Schiffhauer, attended the fair with Lunatic Fringe Yarns, a Fruitland-based craft company. For more information on the business, email info@lunaticfringeyarns.com.
Annah is the owner of The Gemini Talks, a locally based company specializing in eco-friendly beeswax wraps. For more info, email annah_art@yahoo.com or find her business page on Facebook.com.
Attendees of the Maker Faire got to look at and try their hand at upcycling old or unusable books. This book sculpture was made by Teri Ann Finnerty, of Nyssa.
Pia Garbarini goes over local flora and their medicinal uses during the first workshop at the Maker Faire. She talked about the healing properties of dandelion, mullein, yarrow, juniper, sage and echinacea and how each could be utilized for various ailments. For more information from Garbarini, visit her Facebook page: Hippie Chic Holistic Healing.
Heather Wortman, owner of Mom's Best Breads based in Parma, demonstrates how to make and feed sourdough during a workshop at the faire. The class was packed with people wanting to learn how to make their own. She covered such topics as starter, fermentation and tools, saying one of the most important tools is an electronic scale. Wortman makes her own bread and baked goods from her home and has been doing so for about a year, saying that when she started she never dreamed it would turn into a small business. For more information, including where to find her homemade loaves or where to take a class, find Mom's Best Breads on Facebook.
Katzy Luhring and Jenne Schiffhauer, attended the fair with Lunatic Fringe Yarns, a Fruitland-based craft company. For more information on the business, email info@lunaticfringeyarns.com.
Annah is the owner of The Gemini Talks, a locally based company specializing in eco-friendly beeswax wraps. For more info, email annah_art@yahoo.com or find her business page on Facebook.com.
Attendees of the Maker Faire got to look at and try their hand at upcycling old or unusable books. This book sculpture was made by Teri Ann Finnerty, of Nyssa.
Pia Garbarini goes over local flora and their medicinal uses during the first workshop at the Maker Faire. She talked about the healing properties of dandelion, mullein, yarrow, juniper, sage and echinacea and how each could be utilized for various ailments. For more information from Garbarini, visit her Facebook page: Hippie Chic Holistic Healing.
ONTARIO — Science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics were front and center at Four Rivers Cultural Center on Saturday, where dozens of people showcased their skills and innovations in the first ever Malheur Maker Fair. Throughout the day, there were more than 350 people who attended the free event. They could peruse student art, try their hands at activities, check out local vendors and take in free workshops on a variety of topics, including as medicinal herbs, sourdough, beeswax food wraps, lavender scrubs and a traveling STEM show.
Among those providing hands-on demonstrations were Vale High School VEX Robotics, which allowed people to learn more and try out the robots the club has made, and Ruseum, which challenged attendees to try their hand at making their own SuperBristleBot Robots.
Attendees also got the opportunity to vote on a people’s choice award for dozens of pieces of art created by local art students in fourth through 12th grade, which followed the theme, Harmony of the High Desert - Malheur County’s Rugged Beauty. These artworks were replete with nature, including landscapes, Lake Owhyee, canyonlands, agricultural scenes, covered wagons, wildlife and more. The artwork by students who won People's Choice, Judges Choice and blue ribbons will all be on display at the Cultural Center through the end of the month.
Organizers touted the event as the 'Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth.'
OSU Extension agent Barbara Brody discussed some of the key takeaways from the event with the Argus Observer.
"Attendees were inspired by innovative projects and demonstrations showcased at the Malheur Makers Faire. This exposure to creativity can spark new interests and passions, encouraging families to explore Makers projects," she said.
She noted how many of the activities at the event centered on STEM.
"By engaging in these activities, children and adults can develop an interest in these fields, potentially leading to future career paths in STEM-related industries."
Those careers and their respective wages vary depending on a person's education and location. However, the Bureau of Labor and Industries identifies hundreds of related occupations, including in such fields as aeronautics, architecture, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering and physical science.
"Overall, the Malheur Makers Faire provided a safe and enriching experience for families to engage in hands-on educational opportunities," Brody said. "The event promoted Makers while providing learning and creativity, community engagement, and fun for all ages in one place."
The Argus asked whether there would be a future Malheur Makers Faire and associated art challenge?
Brody and Nickie Shira, director of Frontier STEM Hub said that organizers are evaluating the overall success.
"This event requires substantial commitment and support. We appreciate our partners and sponsors Oregon State University Extension - Family and Community Health, Frontier STEM Hub - Malheur Education Service District, Four Rivers Cultural Center, and the City of Ontario."
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