April 2024, May 2024 - Sensory Friendly Sundays
Make with Sam collaborated with the Walker Art Center to enrich their Sensory Friendly Sunday program in Spring 2024. Sam brought interactive art experiences to life through imaginative stenciling and tactile clay rolling activities. Visitors of all abilities were invited to create unique works of art using custom 3D printed rollers and air-dry clay, fostering a sense of creativity and exploration. These hands-on projects provided a calming and engaging environment, making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Through this partnership, Make with Sam and the Walker Art Center demonstrated the power of art to connect people of all backgrounds. By combining sensory-friendly elements with innovative techniques, they created an inclusive space for artistic expression. This collaboration serves as a model for future initiatives prioritizing accessibility and creativity.
July 2023 - Current
In the pursuit of enhancing their educational impact, Spark-Y partnered with Make with Sam to revolutionize their approach. Make with Sam's expertise in VR headset setup enabled Spark-Y to immerse students in captivating learning experiences, fostering deeper engagement and understanding.
Additionally, Make with Sam's tailored training elevated Spark-Y's 3D printing capabilities, resulting in streamlined processes and intricate designs. This collaboration redefined Spark-Y's educational landscape, showcasing the profound impact of strategic integration and specialized training in driving innovation and efficiency.
July 2023 - Current
Hennepin County Libraries sought to invigorate their creative offerings, and their collaboration with Make with Sam proved transformative. By introducing innovative classes and workshops, expertly curated by Make with Sam, the libraries experienced a surge in community engagement. From cutting-edge technology workshops to hands-on art classes, the partnership expanded the library's role as a hub of creative exploration.
Make with Sam's guidance not only enriched library-goers' experiences but also empowered the staff to learn about these dynamic workshops too. This case study illuminates the potency of strategic collaboration in revitalizing learning spaces and fostering a culture of continuous creativity.
November 2022 - Febuary 2023
Working with the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board (MPRB) has been an amazing opportunity to bring new creative programming to underserved communities and provide them with an opportunity for self-expression through design & art!
Through November and December of 2022, Spark'd Studio Powderhorn held its first Make with Sam programming.
July 2019 - Current
I am currently working with Dakota County Libraries to teach classes on 3D printing, graphic design, t-shirt making, and macrame. I have been working with the library system since 2019 as a creative instructor.
My goal is to help people learn new skills by using technology and art. I want to help people discover new things about themselves and their interests through my classes. I believe that if you are passionate about something then you should pursue it no matter what others say or think about it.
I love working with Dakota County Libraries because they have a wide range of classes for all ages and skill levels. It is great to see people come into the library wanting to make something new for themselves!
June 2015 - July 2018 Seattle, WA
Working with King County Libraries has been an amazing experience. I've worked with the library system for three years, from 2015 to 2018, as a creative instructor. I've instructed over 500 learners through my classes, which have covered 3D design and 3D printing.
I enjoy teaching people how to use the makerspace resources at their libraries in a fun way that will inspire them to create something new, or perhaps even start a business. I find that once someone has created something they are proud of, they are more likely to continue creating.
In addition to teaching, I have also helped train staff on 3D design and how to use the 3d printer so they would be better equipped to serve patrons at the library.
May 2015 - July 2017 Everett, WA
I started working with Snohomish County makerspace when they were very small. I taught classes to youth and adults mainly 2D/3d design,3D printing and laser cutting. I worked with the Snohomish County makerspace for two years for 2015 to 2017 as a creative instructor. I also helped design the makerspaces main logo that they still use to this day.
The makerspace has grown over time thanks to the support of many individuals who have donated funds or supplies so that it has been able to continue its mission of providing affordable access to tools and knowledge for anyone interested in making things.
It's been an honor to help support this organization as it grew from being just one guy's dream into an established space for innovation and learning in Snohomish County.
June 2013 - June 2016 Seatte, WA
The Black Dot Seattle community is a network of entrepreneurs, creatives, and technologists of African descent who come together to support each other and build a strong community.
I have worked with BlackDot on a number of projects, including the creation of summer and fall tech camps for youth. These camps incorporate lessons about 3D design and printing, which are taught by me in conjunction with history and themes of BlackDot's mission.
The technology camps were a great opportunity for me to work with youth who are interested in technology and design but may not have the resources or exposure that many other kids do. It allowed me to share my knowledge and experience with them, so that they could see how many different possibilities there are for careers in STEM.