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Who knew that serious skills with a laser cutter or 3-D printer could get you an invite to the White House? President Obama is embracing everything DIY with a Maker Faire hosted at the White House on June 18. The president will speak with a select group of makers about their projects and how designing and building things has enriched their lives.
The Maker Faire movement began in the Bay Area in 2006, bringing together crafters, tech enthusiasts, artists, and students to show off the things they've made. Today, Maker Faires happen across the globe, but hosting an event at the White House definitely is a big step towards the mainstream. And the White House announced that June 18 will be a nationwide Day of Making, encouraging makers to Tweet about their projects and host community events.
Why is President Obama getting behind the makers movement? The White House announcement states that students and entrepreneurs' work making things can encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in design and manufacturing. And because as White House Maker Faire celeb partner OK Go's lead singer Damian Kulash succinctly put it: "The President likes it when you make stuff."
· The First-Ever White House Maker Faire: Celebrating a Nation of Makers [Official Site]
· The White House Is Hosting A Maker Faire, Hopes Hipsters Can Save Our Future (VIDEO) [HuffPo]
· National Day of Making: White House Hosting Its Maker Faire June 18th [Make]