- Jane presented the following list, summarizing the results from the visioning exercise at our March meeting, led by Paula. The group added the second item, revised the fifth item, and liked the list. It reflects what we do and what we want to be.
- Invite people in.
- Educate people about Pueblo’s culture of making. What do you make?
- Create a sense of community that nurtures the soul.
- Provide the help that people need.
- Promote the abundance of makers/creatives/artists/entrepreneurs in Pueblo.
- Involve the kids.
- Curate spaces and tools.
- Gregory described a new project, Pueblo 4.0, involving the Mayor, the County Commission, D60, D70, CSU-Pueblo, PCC to reset the educational system. It will involve the reskilling revolution, teaching Digital, social-emotional skills, and innovation in learning systems.
- The VFW, at 724 E 4th, will hold a Farmer’s Market, Crafts, and Vendors, every Saturday starting May 22, 7am to 1pm. For a vendor space, call Shelley at 719-406-5247.
- El Pueblo History Museum will host a Smithsonian traveling exhibit on the history of Latino/a Baseball. See https://americanhistory.si.edu/latinos-and-baseball/pleibol-exhibit. The Smithsonian has digitized several objects and made them available for 3D printing. Here’s a link to the available objects: https://3d.si.edu/collections/pleibol – Alyssum Opens May 8 through Sep. Also softball. https://www.sites.si.edu/s/topic/0TO1Q000000cTSWWA2/pleibol-in-the-barrios-and-the-big-leagues-en-los-barrios-y-las-grandes-ligas Looking for photos and objects to add from Pueblo. They will scan photos, take photos of objects this Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/events/493679211998182/ Drew might be able to do the 3D printing.
- Tom Carrigan is leading a project Human Relations Commission to put together a calendar for next year with photographs of Hispanic history. An announcement will be posted on HRC page. Should PM sponsor a page?
- Pueblo has about 20 blessing boxes now. Please check expiration dates on donated items.
- Tom reported that the exhibit Food Art of Pueblo was a hit, as sponsored by the Pueblo Art Guild and Pueblo Food Council. The Mayor and BloBack Gallery gave awards presentation. There was a cheese carving.
- Holly reported on the quilt show at El Pueblo Museum, with 108 quilts, made by 48 people from 7 different quilt guilds and by other individuals. There were 730 visitors, including many from Springs, Denver, Fort Collins. This was probably one of the first quilt shows since centers are starting to open up. Holly reported there were many positive comments on the show, the museum, the Riverwalk, and Pueblo.
- Jane reported that the Pueblo Makes Facebook page has 653 followers and the group has 71 members. She also reminded us that we can post in the Reddit group.
- Sharon said that Rawlings library will be remodeled from Aug 2021 to August 2022. The new maker space will be 4500 square feet, which is five times the size of the current space. It will be include everything she asked for in the space. It is meant to be an “entry level maker space,” where someone can explore an idea they haven’t tried before and then be referred to experts (some from Pueblo Makes) and to other spaces. The library will be partnering with Goal Academy as classroom for them sometimes. IdeaCon will be held in person this year, outdoors, August 21, at Grome Park, with food trucks, and more.
- Russ reported that the Woodturners are looking at possible space in the Art Hub but they need other people or groups to share the space.
- Emily reported that TickTock will reopen soon at their new location in Central Plaza next to Bistoro. Also, the Arts Alliance (Karen), TickTock (Emily), and Pueblo Makes (Jane) are working together to break down silos and have the different communities work together. More announcements will follow. Pueblo Makes will maintain a community calendar of maker events.
- Drew reported that nine PSAS -12 education students moved from regionals to state STEM fair and some are finalists and could move to nationals. A student won $500 at SoCo Entrepreneurship competition. Meral has a new book; see Bit.ly/cosmicfamily. Dr Kelly Gelhoff is working on vertical gardening with the students. The second grade class set up a blessing box in front of the school.
- This Saturday will be a Spring extravaganza at Project: Inspire Cooperative. On April 24th, at 2828 Granada Blvd. Bldg. 2, Pueblo, Co 81005. From 11am to 3pm. Enjoy music, food truck, activities for kids, and family fun. (We are 5 Star Safe!)
- Tom discussed how the Food Project is asking: How is race reflected in all that we do? How did we come into this community? Jane said that Alyssum and she recommend that we always have justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in our minds regarding Pueblo Makes.
- Jason described a revamping of the Industrial Tech Maintenance into the national program, FAME Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education. PCC is the first FAME chapter west of Mississippi. Students will work three days a week at a company ($12-16/hour), and attend classes for five semesters at PCC to complete a highly desired degree. With 13 students signed up so far, the goal is 32 students every year. Applications are still open until May 7: see https://www.pueblocc.edu/fame/. Local companies have been involved in creating this program. It is not a formal internship or apprenticeship with the Department of Labor, but is similar..
- LaDoris had her Grand Opening at Project Inspire on March 19 Grand Opening. She has launched Pockets (her line of bags) and is working on Comfortable Pockets, a clothing line. She is looking to hire 10 sewing machine operators for assembly line work, piece work. Some experience is good, but she will train. She will consider having people work at home, but they have to have their own machine. See https://www.facebook.com/designsbyladoris.
- Paula announced that the SBDC will have a virtual class 4pm to 5:30 pm on 11 May on understanding the patent process.
- Gregory recommended the Olympic museum in Colorado Springs.
Upcoming meetings, 3rd Tuesday of the month:
- 18 May – students
- 15 June – show & tell, like December meeting.