After completing his MFA in Sculpture at Syracuse University, Michael Giannattasio was looking to regain the sense of community that came with university life. He had begun to compile tools for his own workshop, but missed the connection with other creators. Eventually this feeling led him to expand his vision of a workshop, and share both his knowledge and tools with the world by building a makerspace.
A makerspace is a place where “makers” of different types—be they artists, designers, or engineers—can come together to use communal tools and teach each other their respective crafts. Giannattasio spent two years working to develop SALT Makerspace, a 2,300 square foot space inside the Delavan Art Center that mixes high-tech tools like 3D printers and laser cutters with wood shop and metal shop tools.
The project's current members are working on range from jewelry to the covers for electronic devices designed catch poachers, and everything in between. Watch as Giannattasio and SALT Makerspace member Steve Gulick explain the story of the new space and describe how it facilitates creativity.
