The MakerSpace at Fort Hays State University is holding a holiday ornament competition that started on Nov. 1 and will run through Dec. 1.
The FHSU Maker Space is a room designated for students containing high-quality equipment such as a 3D printer, 3D scanners, tablet computers, televisions, tools and plenty of workspace. MakerSpace is located in Forsyth Library, room 020.
“It’s really just a space to come down and create. There are people here to help you achieve whatever it is you’re wanting to make,” said Cari Rohleder, project manager of the Maker Space.
The competition MakerSpace has created involves students coming up with, and designing, their own holiday ornaments. Ornaments usually take between one to four hours to make, and students have full access to all of the equipment available, according to Rohleder.
There is a fee of 70 cents per print to pay when using the 3D printer. Rohleder is particularly excited about the 3D printer and said one of the reasons for creating this competition is to get students familiar with the equipment.
“We’re really trying to get people in here using the 3D printer. It’s a fun piece of technology,” Rohleder said.
Braden Wiesen, Wichita sophomore, is participating in the contest and agrees that the 3D printer will be a great piece of technology to utilize.
“I am really excited to be able to use the 3D printer because it will allow me to transform my 2D ornament sketch into a 3D, physical model,” Wiessen said.
The winner of the contest will receive a $40 dollar gift voucher to TK’s Smokehaus, 110 W. 11th in Hays.
The Maker Space area is open to students on Monday through Thursday, 3 to 8 p.m., closed on Fridays, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. MakerSpace will be closed Nov. 21 to Dec. 1.
“To get involved, all you have to do is come down to MakerSpace, and one of the guys will help you out,” Rohleder said. Students may sign up for the contest by simply visiting the MakerSpace office.