March 24, 2015
  
What's IN store for you at the Innovation Hub? Lots! Girls and women will want to check out 100 Girls of Code, highlighted in the first article below. Plus, everyone from makers to families are invited to our Mini Maker Faire in May.

And don't forget to visit our membership page -- members enjoy access to The Launch Pad in addition to participating in all our great programs. It's all at The IN Place: the Innovation Hub. 
Girls rule coding workshop

Girls ages 10 to 18: learn HTML, CSS and JavaScript while building websites and games! The Innovation Hub is presenting a coding workshop on May 16 to introduce the Central Arkansas Chapter of 100 Girls of Code.  

  

Originating in Tennessee, 100 Girls of Code promotes gender parity in STEM fields by introducing young women to coding and computer engineering.

 

During this free workshop, women coders will conduct a fun and INteractive learning experience. The day includes an introduction to computer programming, website construction, game development and much more.

 

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a better understanding of programming and career opportunities in computer science.

 

Young women interested in participating in our first 100 Girls of Code workshop can visit our website for more details and registration information.

 

The chapter also seeks women with in-depth coding knowledge and experience who would like to teach a 100 Girls of Code workshop.

 

Previous teaching experience is recommended, but not required. Training will be provided prior to the workshop. Sign up through the Central Arkansas Chapter's website.
Attendees get a taste of Raspberry Pi
© John Shute 

We had an incredible turnout for our Make Pi event, which took place on Pi Day, of course!

 

Thanks to all of our participants and volunteers. The Innovation Hub was filled with fascinating Raspberry Pi creations, from GPS trackers to fluid display projects. The STEAM lab was packed with Raspberry Pi users who learned more about their device and what it can do.

 

 The winners of the Raspberry Pi Bake-Off were:

  • 1st Place: Micheal Vick & Landon Burress, eSTEM
  • 2nd Place: Mason Creager, Cabot
  • 3rd Place: Sam Mauldin, Georgetown, Texas

You won't want to miss our April event: Meet the Makers. Come meet the crafters, builders, designers and tinkerers who'll be showing their work at our upcoming Mini Maker Faire! Join us at the The Launch Pad at 7 p.m. on April 24. 
Featured youth artist: Chauncey Jones

Our featured Art Connection artist is Chauncey Jones, who started working with us as a high school sophomore. Now a senior, he credits the visual arts work program with helping him develop as an artist.

 

"I learned how to paint at Art Connection," said Chauncey, who was unfamiliar with painting when he first joined. "Now I am able to distinguish between different paints and know the patience and process needed to create a great piece."

 

All of the things we do at Art Connection -- peer critique, teen leadership opportunities, professional development outings -- propel the staff into maturity. 

 

"Chauncey has had a significant transformation," said Hollie Lewis. "He has grown both as an artist and as a person, from a shy teen into a young man who isn't afraid to share his thoughts and talent."  

    

Working at Art Connection has also helped him decide what to study after he graduates from high school in May: illustration. Chauncey already has been awarded two scholarships for college through art competitions and will study at UALR in the fall.

 

We look forward to watching this talented young artist's future successes! 
Mini Maker Faire coming soon!
The North Little Rock Mini Maker Faire is 39 days away! May 2 is right around the corner!

The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub is excited to host this amazing event. Please visit www.makerfairenlr.com for more information.

The maker application is due on April 2. We are looking for fun and creative participants. Come join us for the "greatest show and tell on earth!"

The North Little Rock Mini Maker Faire is made possible by TRG. The Mini Maker Faire will be held in conjunction with the Argenta Arts Festival: it's where art meets science.  

You're INvited
March 26: Webinar

Tune in at 2 p.m. for Expanding Access to Healthy Food.

Experts will explore questions including:
  • What do the data show about consumers and healthy food?
  • What approaches have proven to be most successful? 
  • What is important to address over the next five years?
April 8: Hub-UB: Local Makers

Come meet our local makers and see a hint of what is in store for May 2!

We will discuss the history of Maker Faire and it's potential impact on Arkansas.

Join us at 6 p.m. at The Launch Pad. Hub-UB discussions are free and open to the public.

 
 
April 10-11: Drawing Workshop

Art Connection is accepting 14- to 18-year-old participants for a free figure drawing workshop led by artist Steven Rockwell.   

   

Friday evening will include an introduction and discussion, followed by live-model figure drawing all day Saturday. Drawing supplies and lunch will be provided.

 

Space is limited so visit Art Connection's website to register today!
   
April 14: Workshop

Join us from 8 a.m. to noon for Will Your Big Idea Succeed? Tools for Tipping the Odds in Your Favor.

This workshop is presented by John Riggins of The Riggins Group. Cost is $50 per participant. Details and registration information are available on our Upcoming Events page.

  

April 15: CARL Meeting

Robotics lovers, join us for the Challenge Arkansas Robotics League at  The Launch Pad at 6:30 p.m.

We meet on the third Wednesday of every month. Come share what you know and learn from others.
April 24: Meet the Makers

Join us for the next event in our Make series at 7 p.m. at The Launch Pad.

Come meet the crafters, builders, designers and tinkerers who'll be showing their work at our upcoming Mini Maker Faire!