April 3, 2025
Patrick Shea
Shuswap Makerspace
Our April guest speaker was Patrick Shea from the Shuswap Makerspace in Salmon Arm, where he is a charter member. His background in mechanical engineering design, precision machining and adult education make him the perfect person to head up this innovation space. Patrick's dedication shines through his tireless work developing projects, programs, and classes that empower both youth and adults.
We learned that a Makerspace provides members with a collaborative learning and working space with access to equipment that can use for woodworking, electronics, laser cutting, metalwork, 3D printing, 3D modeling, coding (computer), and robotics. They can help you learn new skills, or you can share your skills with others.
The Shuswap Makerspace started in Salmon Arm in 2018 at 220 Shuswap Street. You can’t miss their bright multi-coloured building! The space includes an electronics room, 3D printing lab, CNC (computer numerical control) machine, industrial room, laser cutter, and several saws and miscellaneous other tools.
Workshops and classes are offered in all these places. All ages are welcome at Makerspace! There are always people there who can help you. Besides woodworking, they also offer classes in things like jewelry making and sewing.
Patrick is trying to get more young people interested in engineering and trades. Makerspace works together with Okanagan College, School District #83 and other community sponsors.
Several Options for Using Makerspace
· Annual or monthly memberships (access to the space and all equipment)
· Everyone who wants to use the space needs to take a “101” class.
· Events and workshops: You don’t need to have a membership to take a workshop or class.
· Friend membership $25 – just support and get info.
They hold a “repair café” once a month – you can bring a broken lamp, mixer, vacuum, etc. They repair it, and you make a donation to Makerspace.
After a brief PowerPoint presentation, Patrick showed us several very interesting things that he created and built at Makespace: mason bee houses, bird houses, flying pig and other kits, rubber-band powered cars, laser-cut tea light holder (as an example of something you can do with the laser), gears, crib board, appie tray.
We enjoyed watching Di and Brenda face off with Balloon fencing! If you need gift ideas for kids of all ages, check out some of the fun things at Makerspace.
Our members were so fascinated by this interesting presentation that many people want to do a tour of the facility, perhaps while we’re in Salmon Arm for one of our luncheon dates. We might also want to book a special event to go there and really build something!
CHECK OUT THE MAKERSPACE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
