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Cultural Scene and Heard: DIY in the DTLV
Raise your hand if you knew, tucked away in Downtown Las Vegas, you had access to a space, tools and classes that could make all of your Do It Yourself (DIY) dreams come true? Anyone? Bueller? We didn’t either, but we’ve since discovered it, and we’re intrigued. Syn Shop, The Las Vegas Hackerspace (117 N 4th St., www.synshop.org) in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas is a collective working space for self-proclaimed “makers” a.k.a. tinkerers, artists, designers, inventors and just those interested in learning a craft.
Hackerspace?
If you’re picturing a dark room, lit only by computer screens as a full-fledged government database breach is taking place, you’re not alone. We have an idea of what “hacker” means, and the picture normally isn’t pretty. In fact, a “hackerspace” is much less diabolical and much more geared toward creating a community of likeminded individuals who are interested in “making things.” It’s become a movement in the last decade spawning similar co-working spaces in cities around the nation.
Walking in to Syn Shop feels more like woodshop than a computer lab. The roughly 2,500 square foot area is an eclectic fusion of classroom space, tools (not so much hammer and nails…more like 3D printers, sewing machines and the granddaddy of all CNC precision wood cutters, the Shopbot) and resident “projects” like the empty, beat up vending machine patiently waiting for a revival. Maybe it will be used “Google-style” to house computer peripherals like keyboards or mice instead of soda and potato chips. Time will tell.
From the sign that greets you as you enter (“Stay hungry, stay foolish”) to the almost life-sized Darth Vader head fashioned from layers etched out by one of the precision cutters, the Syn Shop achieves a playfulness and whimsy around creation. As an admittedly fair weather hobbyist, I felt pumped to build something the second I stepped foot in the building. Even the smell of the place, a hint of burnt plastic and sawdust, makes you feel productive.
How Does It Work?
A quick visit to the Syn Shop website may be a little intimidating. The premise of the space is, after all, based in technology. However, if you’ve not brushed up on your Boolean Logic, never fear. Syn Shop co-founders Pawel Szymczykowski and Susan Hinton assure that the space is perfect for all kinds of hobbies – from computer networking to needlecraft. It’s a dream it, do it mentality and all-walks (men, women and children) from across the city, including Henderson and Summerlin, swing by the shop to get their creative fix.
Visitors can take advantage of the space in two ways: attend public classes (averages about $20 per person) or become a member (starts at $40/month). Classes at Syn Shop run the gamut. If you’re a tinkerer, live to figure out how things work and like to indulge in a little geeky (that’s a term of endearment) catharsis you may opt for DIY World Domination Night on Mondays, dedicated to robots and technology. If you’re itching to learn how to sew, or make adorable jewelry with a 3D printer like co-founder Sue Hinton, you’re likely to join in on Wednesday craft nights. Upon perusal of upcoming classes we note everything from “Building Wearable Tech Butterfly Wings” to “DIY Chocolate Treats” and beyond. And leaders of the shop are always taking suggestions, as well as welcoming new potential teachers who would like to share a skill.
Children are encouraged and there are often no age limits for classes, but will be stated if that’s the case. Instructors are professional, and focus on safety especially in classes dealing with electricity or cutting. Much of the time materials are provided, unless indicated otherwise. The facility is open Monday-Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Syn Shop also hosts the annual Las Vegas Mini Maker Faire, where they showcase exhibitors, inventors and artists as well as hold workshops. Last year nearly 700 people attended the event, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Learning Village in Downtown Las Vegas (715 Fremont St.). For more information about Syn Shop visit www.synshop.org. For more on Maker Faire Las Vegas visit www.makerfairevegas.com.
