Some evidence suggests that we've been entertaining ourselves and our communities with marionettes - puppets controlled from above by wires or strings - since 2000 BC. This may even pre-date actors performing on stage.

The most 'famous' marionnettes in North American culture are 'Pinocchio' (Disney) and Howdy Doody - riding the rising wave of film and television in the 1940's.

Just think of the possibilities today to bring back this all-but-lost art, both in it's traditional form, and in a 'Geppetto meets Arduino' mash-up with today's computer and robotic technology.

Victorian-era science fiction novelist,  Jules Verne would likely feel right at home at this steampunk computer.

Steampunk presents a retro-futuristic vision of a post-apocalyptic Victorian Age - an alternate reality where steam is the primary power source.

This subculture is a close cousin of the Maker Movement - filled with imaginative, creative, and unquestionably fun fashions and gadgets - beautifully crafted with wood, leather & metal . 

It's remarkably representative of Fredericton's heritage & rich mix of storytelling, arts, crafts & technology. We have the talent right here in New Brunswick to create gorgeous art pieces like this!

A creative thinker can create just about anything out of anything if they set their mind to it.

Dutch designer Debbie Wijskamp designed these cabinets built from recycled paper pulp. You can watch the YouTube video to see how she creates the 'papercrete' material and cuts it with woodworking tools.

I can think of all kinds of useful stuff we can build using Debbie's techniques to enhance the Fredericton Makerspace.