On April 6, the Artisans Courtyard will be opening for the Spring season with a splash – introducing to Dayton an innovative 3D printer along with a special opening sale of art and artisanal works at our four galleries.
"If you have ideas for design and prototyping, come and see what's possible," said Mark Frazier, the Courtyard's Chairman. "We're excited by the prospects that Dayton can become a hub for this new kind of creative venture."
The Solidoodle 3D printer featured at the Courtyard is one of the most highly rated of a new generation of <$1000 desktop printers. It can turn innovative designs into jewelry, toys, smartphone cases, and a range of personalized products.
Twice-Baked Computers, a Dayton-based computer services firm, and the Arts & Business Connection of Dayton, a branch of the Artisans Center of Virginia, have supported the Courtyard in preparing the launch of the 3D printing system, and of microscholarships to spread 3D printing as well as other art and design related skills.
Nic Harper of Twice-Baked Computers prints out a Bitcoin microscholarsihp for the Courtyard on a 3D printer.
A range of 3D printed items will be on display at the Courtyard opening at the Artisans Cooperative Gallery, a new building located at 220 Bowman Road, near the parking entrance to the Courtyard. Among the items offered there will be 3D-printed tokens indexed to the value of a "Bitcoin," and redeemable for an introductory tutorial or workshop on 3D printing.
Our April 6 season opening event starts at 10 am and runs until 5 pm. Special sale prices are being offered on gifts and artwork at the participating galleries at the Cooks Creek site, as well as the Courtyard's recently-opened sister Artisans Downtown Gifts and Gallery at 320 South Main Street in Harrisonburg.