GR Makers support ideas, collaboration

GR Makers started in a garage. Focusing on Linux programming, Casey M. DuBois started by hosting Linux users and a Makers group at his own home and garage, inherited from his father.

Linux is a community supported website committed to promote Linux software through education. Linux users discussed providing a makers space to Grand Rapids.

“The Linux group has talked about a makers space for about four years and they were doing the weekly meetings, then in November we began incorporating Linux and Makers. From November to May, we grew from 15 people a week to 70 plus,” says DuBois.

With the increasing flow of people and ideas, DuBois realized they would need a larger space. He collaborated with Josh Yuhas and Richard Nienhuis, founding members of GR Makers.

GR Makers say they are working to create a space to provide support and resources for those with ideas and encourage them in the process of making. Every Wednesday a free social gathering takes place at 6 p.m. A series of six five-minute talks provides a chance for people to share their ideas. After the idea pitches those in attendance are welcome to break into smaller groups and continue discussion.

“People bring what inspires them, what they are working on, whatever is challenging them. It is a great way to open communication to the crowd in general. It is all about free expression;” says Yuhas.

“Once someone comes and experiences the community, it blows them away,” says DuBois.

A volunteer run space, members have been working around the clock to turn their space around. They hope to have the space fully functional sometime in August.