Makers Meetup #20: Great Craftsmanship and Artisanry in Philadelphia

For Makers Meetup #20 we will be featuring some of the gifted craftspeople who are making beautiful as well as useful artisinal products here in Philadelphia. This program is curated by Andrew Dahlgren of the University of the Arts. The presenters will include:

Page Neal of Bario Neal
Bario Neal began as the collaborative work of designers Anna Bario and Page Neal. Anna and Page began working together with the shared idea that our most precious things come with a story. Drawn to the imaginative possibilities of jewelry, yet disillusioned by industry standards that turned a blind eye to metal and gemstone mining’s environmental and human tolls, the designers began to envision how to make jewelry of lasting value and ethical origins.

David Short of Edgewood Made
Edgewood Made exists within the intersection of nature and manufacturing. Understanding the space in which these entities coexist is at the foundation of what drives our design. We utilize nature as our inspiration and manufacturing as our medium – following the rules that both set in place, but never allowing for one take over the other. Edgewood Made creates goods for every aspect of life in the home. We believe that well-made objects should be a part of our everyday lives, and that these objects should intrigue and draw in the user more and more with each use. Our forms and proportions reference nature and its hidden geometries that dictate how natural structures grow and form shape.

Heather Holiday of Mason Dixon Made
In a world of mass production, mass consumption, and reckless disposability, we seek something more enduring and more personal in what we make. And so we invest more-than-just-a-bit of ourselves in every piece we stamp with the Mason Dixon logo. We meticulously shape each design through countless cycles of design-prototype-refine. We purchase our raw materials in small lots, carefully selected for quality, sustainability, and beauty. And we individually craft every shoe and bag that goes out our doors, to yours. It takes time, and it’s not the least expensive approach to making shoes and bags. But we believe it’s worth it.

Hamid Holloman of Custom Lifestyle
Custom lifestyle by Hamid Holloman is a representation of one's individuality and uniqueness. No two beings are alike nor is anyone's story exactly the same, our designs reflect the nature of one's journey through life. Growing up on the streets of Philly, Hamid Holloman has been inspired by his surroundings in all forms. His style reflects the bold patterns, style, and vibe of city life and the people who make it come alive. By using abstract shapes, lines and colors, he is able to make a statement while stretching the imagination into new artistic views.

The program, networking and pizza will kick off at 5:00 with a table-top Showcase featuring the presenting companies and sponsors as well as other craftspeople.

The formal presentation will begin promptly at 6:30 followed by a panel discussion hosted by Andrew Dahlgren.

Our major sponsor is Arrow Electronics - underwriting the space and the food. Other regular sponsors include NextFab, Duane Morris and Ben Franklin Technology Partners while the non-profit Merchants Fund administers our finances. Erica Minutella manages our social media engagement.

More info on our sponsors can be found at the following links:
arrow.com
nextfab.com
duanemorris.com
benfranklin.org
merchantsfund.org
ejminute.com