TekVenture founder hoping to expand awareness, facilities

Greg Jacobs is founder, strategic planner, facilitator and one of the public voices of an organization that is probably one of the best kept secrets in Fort Wayne — TekVenture, a nonprofit.

This is where artists, potters, woodworkers, metal workers, welders, machinists and computer geeks gather to create, invent and make things.

Jacobs has three goals for TekVenture. The first is to raise public awareness, second is to improve the facility by adding more tools and machines for members use and the third is to increase the membership to 100 by the end of the year.

“We refer to ourselves as a public art and technology workshop interconnecting imagination, technology and community that provides access to tools, community education and services to makers

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“I know that’s a mouthful,” said Jacobs. “But it boils down to the fact that we make a variety of work areas available for the use of our members.”

He added, “In addition, we hold workshops in each of those areas throughout the year that are open to the public to learn pottery, metal fabrication, machining, wood working, 3-D computer printing and robotics. We even have a performance stage for the theater arts.”

A year ago, the building behind it burned down and, in the process, caused a lot of damage to the facility.

“So, we’re planning a grand reopening for July 4 with tours, workshops, demonstrations, outdoor games and contests and a display of the members’ work. The public is invited, of course, and we’re suggesting they bring their chairs, blankets, food and drink and stay to view the annual downtown fireworks that can be seen clearly from our property,” Jacobs said.

The theme for the event, he added, is Make America Create Again.

For Mother’s Day, May 14, and Father’s Day, June 10, TekVenture will host workshops in welding and ceramics for the celebrated parent while the rest of the family makes a surprise for them.

According to Jacobs, people interested in becoming members can learn how to operate the tools and machines safely from other members.

“What makes TekVenture special is that it is really a great place to learn, apply your skills and release your creative juices. A new member who demonstrates responsibility may be offered 24-hour access to the building,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs, a Fort Wayne native, has been involved in TekVen- ture from its start 18 years ago in a trailer at the Three Rivers Festival demonstrating 3-D printing and laser engraving.

In 2009, it moved to the Allen County Public Library, and then TekVenture took over the Allen County Sweeper building on Broadway before arriving at its present 15,000-square-foot building in 2017.

TekVenture is not exactly on the beaten path. It’s located east of downtown in a former industrial plant at 1550 Griffin St. To get there, drive west on

Berry Street from Anthony Boulevard to Coombs and turn right. Drive under the railroad bridge and turn right onto Herbert Street. That runs into Griffin Street. From the north, take Lake Avenue to Columbia Avenue and turn left. Go over the bridge and immediately turn left onto Herbert Street at the TekVenture sign.

Visit TekVenture during open hours for a free tour of all maker workshops. For more information, visit tekventure. org.

When you are unable to live alone

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Most older individuals have likely experienced the thrill of reaching that age when we were old enough to spread our wings and move out of mom and dad’s house and into a place of our own.

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