American Maker debuts in Chicago! Call for entries!

Save the date! – A “Show-and-Tell” Program to Showcase Grassroots Innovation – September 20th, 2008 – Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL.

Make Magazine has portrayed the work of thousands of makers across America. Now we’re looking to discover the most innovative makers whose work has the potential to benefit others. We’ve created a new event called American Maker that will debut September 20th at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago as part of the launch of Science Chicago.

Organized by the editors of Make magazine and the producers of Maker Faire, American Maker is a live, day-long program that highlights grassroots innovation in local communties around the country. Editors from Make magazine and a panel of judges will be at the Museum of Science and Industry to look at the work of a select group of twenty makers. These makers will be judged on the originality of their concept, the design and craftsmanship behind the work, along with the potential for others to benefit from this work. The winner of American Maker in Chicago will receive a $500 prize along with publication in an upcoming issue of Make magazine.

If you’re a Chicago-area maker, and you’ve created a cool new project that has the potential to benefit others, submit an entry here.

The goal of American Maker is to showcase grassroots innovation from Chicago-area makers. We’re looking for makers who are are working on cool projects and whose work has the potential to benefit others. We believe that makers are a leading force in grassroots innovation — where individuals see a need to create something new. American Maker is a friendly competition and the winner will be awarded a $500 cash prize plus publication in a future issue of Make.

NOTE: American Maker will take place as part of LabFest, which is the kickoff of Science Chicago on September 20th. The hours of LabFest are 9:30am to 4:00pm. Admission to the museum is free.