Unleash your inner engineer and build your own battle bot! This exciting two-day workshop, led by experienced robotics coach Precious McCoy, will introduce you to the world of robotics and engineering.

You'll learn essential skills like soldering, coding, and electronics to design and construct your own battle bot. You'll also explore the principles of mechanical design and learn how to build a sturdy robot that can withstand the rigors of battle.

Whether you're a budding engineer or a seasoned maker, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, have fun, and create something truly unique. Let's build, code, and battle! All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

Date/Time: December 30-31, 9AM to 3PM

Instructor: Precious McCoy, Educator and Coach of the Shield First Robotics Team

Instructor Bio: Precious McCoy is a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for STEM education. As the Founder and Executive Director of the SHIELD Mentor Program, she has been instrumental in inspiring and empowering young minds. Through SHIELD, she has spearheaded robotics teams that have competed at the highest levels of FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), showcasing the incredible potential of young people.

Precious's commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and diversity in STEM education has made a significant impact on the community. She is dedicated to providing students with hands-on learning experiences that equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st century.

Age Range: This course is for Makers in 7th - 12th grade

Discover the intricate balance of skill and artistry in welding. This comprehensive course, led by Mixxer Resident Artist Thaddeus Prevette, offers an introduction into the world of welding techniques and creative expression. The best part is - No Experience is Needed!

Over the two-day session, you'll gain hands-on experience with Arc Welding. Learn how to safely operate welding equipment, understand different metals and their properties, and master essential welding techniques like joint preparation, heat control, and puddle manipulation.

Beyond technical proficiency, this course introduces students to the artistic side of welding. Explore the possibilities of creating unique and visually stunning metalwork. Thaddeus will guide you through design concepts, project planning, and finishing techniques to help you bring your ideas to life.

This course is the perfect opportunity to ignite your creativity and forge your path in the world of metalworking. 

Date/Time: December 30-31, 9AM to 3PM

Instructor: Thaddeus Prevette, Mixxer Resident Artist

Instructor Bio:
Thaddeus Prevette is a sculpture artist who began working with three dimensional objects back in 2016. He graduated from Western Carolina University in 2020 with a BFA in studio art and graduated from East Carolina University with an MFA in sculpture in May of 2023. He participates in public art exhibitions and was commissioned for the design of the ECU 911 Memorial sculpture back in 2021. He works with recycled and repurposed material to create narrative artwork that is influenced by historic and modern mythologies.

Age Range: This course is for Makers in 9th -12th grade

Learn how to work with one of the world’s oldest building material - wood. This course, led by experienced educator Garland Layton, offers a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of woodworking.

During this course, you'll gain practical experience using a variety of woodworking tools and machinery, including the band saw, drill press, table saw, and drum sander. You'll learn essential woodworking techniques, such as basic joinery, to create a functional and stylish wooden tote box.

To add a personal touch to your project, you'll also have the opportunity to use a laser engraver to etch your initials or a custom design onto your tote box.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course is the perfect way to dive into the world of woodworking. All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

Date/Time: December 30-31, 9AM to 3PM

Instructor: Garland Layton 

Instructor Bio:
Garland Layton is a seasoned educator and skilled woodworker with over 50 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts/Secondary Education from Old Dominion University, which he earned in 1977.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Garland has taught at both Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and Forsyth Technical Community College. His passion for woodworking and his commitment to sharing his knowledge and expertise make him an exceptional instructor.

Age Range: This course is for Makers in 8th -12th grade

Join us and dive into the exciting world of 3D design and printing! Instructor Auggie McIntosh, a Graphic Design Student at Salem College will introduce you to the fundamentals of 3D modeling using TinkerCAD, a user-friendly software, and the capabilities of Bambu Lab 3D printers.

Over the of two days you'll learn to:

Navigate the TinkerCAD interface

Create 3D objects from basic shapes

Design and model 3D objects

Prepare 3D models for printing

Operate Bambu Lab 3D printers

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to design and print your own 3D creations. All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

Date/Time: January 2 - 3, 9AM to 3PM

Instructor: Auggie McIntoch, Graphic Design student at Salem College

Instructor Bio: Hi! I’m Auggie McIntosh, a senior majoring in Graphic Design at Salem College. I've been immersed in both 2D and 3D art for as long as I can remember, and I'm passionate about making art and learning accessible to everyone. My life goal is to explore a wide range of artistic mediums and to inspire and support others in their creative journeys.

Age Range: This course is for Makers in 6th - 12th Grade 

Discover the intricate balance of skill and artistry in jewelry smithing. Instructed by Elaine Lamson, Mixxer Community Makerspace's Executive Director, this course offers a captivating introduction to the world of metalworking and jewelry design. No prior experience is necessary!

Over the two-day session, you'll gain hands-on experience with various jewelry-making techniques. Learn how to safely use tools like hammers, anvils and various metal cutting instruments to shape and manipulate copper, a versatile and forgiving metal. A central focus will be on safely annealing, where you’ll explore working with both butane and propane torches to soften and prepare metal, allowing for easier manipulation and final forming.

Beyond technical proficiency, this course will ignite your creativity. Elaine will guide you through the process of jewelry making. You'll learn how to incorporate various techniques that will give you several finished pieces to take home!

This course is the perfect opportunity to spark your imagination and forge your own artistic path.

All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

Date/Time: January 2 - 3, 9AM to 3PM

Instructor: Elaine Lamson 

Instructor Bio: Elaine Lamson is the Executive Director of Mixxer Community Makerspace, where she brings a unique blend of creative and community-driven leadership. Originally from Massachusetts, Elaine joined Mixxer in 2019 and quickly became an integral part of the Triad’s vibrant creative community. Elaine’s dedication to inclusive and innovative arts education recently earned her the 2024-25 Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Teaching from the North Carolina Art Education Association’s. She was also the 2023-24 Wake Forest School of Divinity/Gilead Compass Artist in Residence and served on the Artist Thrive National Summit’s Steering Committee in 2024. Her superpower is identifying and celebrating in people's talents and strengths.

Age Range: This course is for Makers in 6th - 12th grade

Discover the art of sustainable fashion and learn how to upcycle existing garments into unique and stylish pieces. This two-day, 12-hour course will teach you the techniques of deconstruction, reconstruction, and alteration to create one-of-a-kind clothing items.

You'll learn to:

Deconstruct garments into usable materials

Design and pattern-making techniques

Sewing and stitching techniques

Textile manipulation and embellishment

Upcycling techniques like refashioning and repurposing

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to transform old clothes into new, stylish pieces, reducing waste and expressing your individuality through sustainable fashion.All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

Date/Time: January 2 - 3, 9AM to 3PM

Instructor: June Jones, Mixxer Sewing Team Lead

Instructor Bio: MIXXER's own June Jones has been sharing her expertise and knowledge to members and offering a friendly hand in all their sewing projects. June has been sewing for as long as she can remember. Having had an established career as an electronics technician and running a business focused on sewing machine repairs, June can skillfully assess your project and give you guidance to help you achieve your vision.

Age Range: This course is for Makers in 6th-12 grade