Class is starting.
Beginning Feb. 1, The Generator, an innovation hub powered by Go Forward Pine Bluff, is launching its makerspace program “Generate for Generations.”
The covid pandemic has caused numerous delays for The Generator and the programs that it will conduct, but Mildred Franco, executive director, has a new instructor on board, Verna Perry, and both women are ready to get started.
The Generator, with the mission of encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, will conduct the first class in a three-part series, Makerspace 101, which will run Feb. 1-22. Makerspace 102 and 103 will take place in March and April, respectively.
The makerspace area is equipped with three primary pieces of equipment: 3D printers, computer numerical control router and a laser engraver. The equipment is accompanied with software that will allow patrons to design their ideas and produce a product on the equipment they choose to use.
“The space provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for collaborative thinkers to participate in workshops and share ideas and knowledge,” Franco said, “Although the makerspace will have limited workshop participation and workspace availability because of covid-19 restrictions, our team is excited about opening this opportunity up for the citizens of Pine Bluff and surrounding communities.”
Perry, who has construction and manufacturing experience, started work at The Generator in early December and immediately began training at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in North Little Rock to learn how to operate the equipment she will use in the class and the software that goes with it.
Franco, who reached out to Errin Stanger at the innovation hub to put together Perry’s training program, said Perry is not only ready for the challenge of teaching but also is the one designing the program for the class.
“She’s brilliant, and I couldn’t be happier,” Franco said. “This is all happening very fast, but that’s what happens when you hire the right people. I let her go, and she comes back with great stuff.”
Perry said she’s eager to put what she has studied to use.
“It was good,” she said of her training. “I’ve still got a lot to learn.”
Students who like to make things may get more out of the class, she said.
“A lot of experience helps,” Perry said. “A tinkerer, someone who creates things may naturally feel more at ease.”
But, as Franco said, all that matters is for someone to have a desire for making things.
“It could be a wood worker who now wants to do things with other materials,” Franco said. “It could be someone wanting to acquire the skills they need for a job they want. You never know where people’s passions are.”
Currently, there are only four students signed up to take the class, which is once a week and free, but Franco said that despite the low number right now, the class would go forward because she is anxious to get things started.
“We are trying to get the word out about the class,” Franco said. “I told Verna not to get discouraged and to give herself some grace here. People aren’t aware of our program, and they’re not aware of us. There are a lot of reasons people may not feel comfortable coming. But I didn’t want to wait until the absolute perfect time because that never happens. We have to start, and once we start, we’ll start seeing some traction.”
Even without the delays the pandemic has caused, Franco said she has made it clear to all concerned that getting such programs off the ground are long-term projects.
“This is not a sprint,” she said. “This is a marathon. It takes changes in training and changes in mindset.”
The makerspace class is designed for the community based on the Lean Startup methodology that focuses on the build, measure and learn loop.
“The Generator’s makerspace is giving access to resources for the determined and imaginative would-be entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs and/or businesses in the Pine Bluff community and surrounding areas,” Franco said.
Makerspaces are designed to be a “communicable space” for businesses and entrepreneurs with ideas and products to develop and for “channeling their creative imaginations,” Franco said, adding that Perry will also be available for private instructions.
“She is the most chill person I know,” Franco said of Perry. “She’s 180 degrees opposite of me. Absolutely fantastic. We make a perfect team.”
Classes will be held at The Generator, located at 435 S. Main St. For details about the makerspace program and to register, visit https://goforwardpinebluff.org/the-generator.