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A quest to visit a makerspace in each of the 50 states this week brought a maker, creator and artist to Rogers Arkansas where he will sleep in a stranger’s home; set up office in a business he has never heard of and document his visit to the Rogers Experimental House on his Youtube Channel.
Last December, Ken Jaggard began a Pilgrimage to visit creative communities known as makerspaces, throughout the United States. In each location he meets with artists and makers, interviews them and captures video to document his journey and his contacts and share what he learns with others. Today, 19 locations and 24 states later, he meets with likeminded makers from Northwest Arkansas at the Rogers Experimental House in Downtown Rogers.
Jaggard’s journey began in Manchester, New Hampshire down the east coast to Florida, across the southern coast to California and he is now making his way across the Midwest to his home in New Hampshire. By Mid-April he will have toured 24 spaces and traversed 30 states. He will resume traveling late May through mid-July to accomplish visits to 44 states. The remaining states, including an Alaska trip in late August. The only destination that won’t be made in his well worn 2009 Subaru Outback is the trip to Hawaii scheduled for Winter 2019.
The self-described maker/creator/artist will meet with local creatives today, Thursday, March 28, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Rogers Experimental House in Downtown Rogers. Time will be spent interviewing artists, capturing video and learning about the arts, crafts and tinkering done by community residents.
"I'm passionate about helping others explore their own creativity. Commented Jaggard. “Facilitating makerspaces and makers and helping them find and understand each other and what they can offer each other is what inspires me.” he continued. In each community he shares his experiences with the makers, captures video as he tours their maker community and interviews members to learn their passions. The end result includes five components, a video tour of the makerspace, three interviews with individual makers and a wrap-up segment that explores the challenges and obstacles that have been faced by those creating their particular space. As time allows he edits and shares his journey on his youtube channel with the intent of bringing together makers from across the United States.
"Members of makerspaces can learn from each other--things they might try…and things that may or may not have worked for others,” remarked Jaggard. “I want to help facilitate the communication as I meet makers across the country."
For him, part of the appeal of is sharing stories, through video, how various communities have similarities and differences. It isn’t a jet-setter lifestyle. When possible, Jaggard stays in the homes of people he meets on an online community, when that isn’t possible, the reclining seats in his Subaru are the alternative. He has more than a dozen positive referrals from families who have provided a bed for the night through couchsurfing.com. This online platform connects members to a global community of travelers and host families and The free lodging allows people to stay in the homes of others who want to meet new people and learn about other cultures.
"I'm a bit of a jack of all trades and a constant explorer and learner in the areas of culture and knowledge. It seems like a good idea to extend that to the physical world as well."
While in Rogers, Jaggard has also been offered the opportunity to connect with the owners of video production company, Bod High Productions, 206 S 2nd Street, Ste. D in Downtown Rogers. Co-Owner, Michelle Hammarstrom has a passion for supporting fellow artists who are trying to make their mark on the world. She has been an active volunteer for the Rogers Experimental House since it surfaced in Rogers in mid 2017. When she learned of Jaggard plans to NW Arkansas, she immediately offered up a desk and other resources in their downtown Rogers location. Hammarstrom and her husband and business partner, Jeremy Duckworth specialize in television and web series, commercials and live capture of events. They are also working on two documentaries highlighting quality of life in NW Arkansas. Hosting Jaggard during the day is a natural fit.
Jaggard made the decision in early September 2017 to begin the journey. Preparations included researching the opportunities, contacting the spaces, seeking lodging, prepping supplies for times when lodging wasn't available and learning editing software to create the videos.
Ken Jaggard’s videos are found on his YouTube Channel "Roving Jack under the playlist, Makers Journey" He hopes to expand his travels into other countries and possibly write a book or produce a documentary of his experiences.
About the Rogers Experimental House:
The Rogers Experimental House, (RXH) a 501c3 organization, is located in the historic district of Downtown Rogers at 121 W Walnut, Rogers, Arkansas. The organization provides a platform for a variety of activities to incubate and support contributions to the cultural fabric of Northwest Arkansas. Activities have included collaborating on services, material resources and providing learning opportunities for all ages including artists, designers, entrepreneurs, performers and all creative types in our community. The RXH is actively involved in providing gallery space during the Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk, including collaboration with Rogers Public Schools; The Artists of NW Arkansas, ArtVenturesNWA, Photographic Society of NWA, Studio 7 and others.
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