Scott Family Amazeum to Host Tinkerfest Presented by 3M

September 23, 2016

Hands-on family-friendly festival attracts artists, makers from Arkansas and the US 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (Sept. 23, 2016) — Now in its third year, Tinkerfest presented by 3M encourages guests to not only see unique art from makers and artists around the world, they’ll be able to interact and create their own pieces.

“Tinkerfest is really about diving in and being inspired, experiencing the creative process, making something on your own – often using unconventional materials or merging high and low tech,” said Sam Dean, executive director of the Amazeum. “Whether you’re seeing how big you can make a bubble or learning to crochet, we have something here each family member will want to experience.”

One featured Tinkerfest artist will be asking guests to help with the piece she is creating over the weekend. London Kaye is an internationally-renowned crochet artist, who has been commissioned by many brands around the world. She will be at Tinkerfest thanks to Lion Brand Yarn, and will be creating a crochet mural with guests inside the Amazeum.

Other artists engaging with guests have come to the Amazeum from near and far. Fayetteville artist Eugene Sargent will be demonstrating automata, Victorian-inspired hand-cranked sculptures, as well as building a bicycle-powered one leading up to Saturday. Dani Ives, also of Fayetteville will be teaching guests felting.

Kua Patten, an exhibit designer from the San Francisco Bay area will be on hand. Patten will be building a bicycle-themed interactive piece at the Amazeum leading up to Tinkerfest. Additionally, Tinkerfest will host several other bike-related activities, a nod to the area’s growing reputation in the cycling world.

Guest makers and artists from across the United States will be leading activities during Tinkerfest. Represented states include California, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas.

Tinkerfest will be Sat., Oct. 1, from 9 am until 4 pm. The Amazeum opens to members at 9 am and to the general public at 10 am that day, and will be open until 5 pm. Admission to Tinkerfest is included in Amazeum membership or paid daily admission.

The last two years, guests were able to dismantle cars. In 2015, kiddos took the car apart in less than three hours. Car take apart will be back again this year, and guests are encouraged to arrive early in order to be able to participate. Other guest favorites, such as stomp rockets and giant-scale, team-operated Pac Man, return to this year’s lineup. Activities will be spread throughout the museum, as well as in the parking lot and in the grassy lot directly north of the museum.

In addition to 3M, Tinkerfest sponsors include: Cox Communications, Nunnally Chevrolet, Arkansas Discovery Network, Lion Brand Yarn, TekTrendz and Walton Foundation.

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About the Scott Family Amazeum

The Scott Family Amazeum is a hands-on, interactive museum for children and families in Northwest Arkansas. Located at the intersection of J Street and Museum Way in Bentonville, the Amazeum experiences include a climbable tree canopy, indoor cave, the 3M Tinkering Hub, and nearly one acre of outdoor space. For more information about the museum, visit amazeum.org.