Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 27, 2020) – In response to the pandemic, the WVU Parkersburg Makerspace will offer distance services to continue community access to the center’s resources.

Through the Reverse Makerspace, the center will accept projects, and staff will complete them with client guidance. The cost is $15, plus an additional equipment usage fee. Makerspace staff will discuss project expectations, materials needed, cost and more with the client before the start of the project.

“To keep the Makerspace open, we still need people who want to learn or have projects they want to complete,” said Logan Mace, Workforce and Economic Development Program coordinator. “We need our community to understand that we are still here, and we are still a top-notch resource for exploration and education.”

At the start of the pandemic, WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development team used the makerspace to 3D print over 400 face shields for local and state healthcare facilities, nursing homes, businesses and organizations.

The Makerspace provides public access to tools and training in a creative and fun environment for the purposes of creative expression, exploration and skill advancement. The tools currently available are: 3D printers, laser cutter and engraver, CNC milling machine, vinyl plotter, metal lathe, and their appropri-ate creative software such as Autodesk Fusion 360, Inkscape, Easel, RetinaEngrave, etc.

“The main goal is to be valuable by providing education and resources that may otherwise go under-supported in the community,” Mace said.

For more information on the WVU Parkersburg Reverse Makerspace and how you can get started on your next project, contact Logan Mace at amace1@wvup.edu or 304.420.8606.