Prototype PGH

05/28/2026

Melannie checks out her beautiful laser cutting project at Prototype x Sharpsburg!

05/20/2026

SEEKING: your designs!

We'll be running a screen printing table at Aspinwall's on
June 29th--so we're ISO 3-5 designs to print on blank tote bags. People whose designs are selected will be given a free tote bag with their design on it!

Themes:

--LGBTQ+ pride and being a q***r maker
--Vote your values/voter registration
--A design without any words or slogans on it (illustration only)

All designs must be single-color without gradients for screen printing with vinyl. Designs should be kept somewhat simple, without any tiny elements that may get lost in screen printing.

Designs you have made in the past are fine to submit, as long as you're cool with us using them alongside Prototype branding.

Artists will be credited so be sure to send along your name and/or social media handle when submitting.

JPEGs or PNGs of your design(s) should be sent to [email protected].

Can't wait to see your creations!

05/19/2026

05/12/2026

Just a few more seats left!

This Saturday immediately after SOLDERDAY IS FOR THE BABES:

~INTRO TO MESHTASTIC~

In the past 6 months, Meshtastic has evolved from being a curiosity for computer nerds, to a practical communications platform for hyperlocal, ultra-resilient community crisis management and disaster recovery. This is great news for communities and computer nerds, but not so much for ordinary people who just want to understand how the dang things work. This workshop assumes no prior technical experience and guides participants through assembling, programming, configuring, and using Meshtastic nodes based on Heltec v4 and T114 chipsets. Participants are encouraged to bring their own Meshtastic kits if they have them, but if not, kits will be provided for use during the workshop. Come learn how a $30 handheld radio can help connect you to your friends, family and loved ones even when electricity, cell networks, and Internet services are all unavailable!

INSTRUCTOR BIO

Dani is a lifelong computer nerd whose day job involves cybersecurity of critical civilian infrastructure. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and hacking.

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Sign up at link in bio or at prototypepgh.org/events
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05/12/2026

This Saturday!!

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Sign up at link in bio or at prototypepgh.org/events
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Many newcomers to electronics are intimidated by the notion of soldering and are excited to find it much less demanding than they had expected. Participants in this workshop will construct through-hole circuits designed to build confidence with soldering while also demonstrating practical electronics essentials. Students will be provided a basic soldering station + supplies, as well as a project to solder with detailed instructional guide. A brief introduction and overview will be followed by a hands-on period with the instructor providing assistance and feedback as necessary. Come learn how to use the hot pointy thing what melts the wire to make circuits stick together good!

INSTRUCTOR BIO

Dani is a lifelong computer nerd whose day job involves cybersecurity of critical civilian infrastructure. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and hacking.

05/08/2026

Head over to our Open House x Sharpsburg on Sunday (12-2p) and then get into Make & Take 3d Printing right afterwards (2-4p)!

The workshop will introduce the basics of 3D printing, provide a practical demonstration of how to operate our 3D printers (Prusa, and Creality Ender), and will walk out with an object you printed. No prior experience needed!

~To sign up for one or both, go to prototypepgh.org/events or link in bio~

Pictured: .pwuppy

05/01/2026

There are aMAYzing workshops and events happening at Prototype this month--sign up at prototypepgh.org/events or at the link in bio!

04/14/2026

Don't miss the fun!

Applications close for the next cohort of Maker to Manufacturer this THURSDAY, April 16th. If you're interested in a job in advanced manufacturing, this opportunity is for you!

APPLY HERE:
prototypepgh.org/steponup

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Step On Up is our manufacturing workforce development program launched in March 2025, with support from the Block Center at Carnegie Mellon University and the Build Back Better initiative to support women, people with marginalized gender identities, and low-income communities to gain makerspace and manufacturing training.

This free 6-month program provides participants with makerspace training at Prototype PGH followed by manufacturing training at Protohaven in Point Breeze and New Century Careers in the South Side. Workshops take place from 5-8 PM on Thursday nights.

Participants are provided with on-site childcare, transportation reimbursement, and meals during training. The program culminates in a Career Fair with local manufacturing companies.

04/08/2026

Sign up at link in bio or at prototypepgh.org/events!

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Sewing 101: Make Your Own Tote Bag
Sunday, April 19th, 1-3pm
460 Melwood Ave

Come make your own custom fabric tote bag! All supplies and materials will be provided; participants are highly encouraged to bring their own sewing machine if you have one. Pattern is customizable to size, with two sizes prepared ahead of time: "grocery tote" and "book tote" size. This 2-hour workshop will cover everything from picking out fabric, cutting, and sewing your tote bag!

Participants should have a basic knowledge of using a sewing machine. No other experience is necessary. This is the perfect next step to take after taking Gene's "Sewing Machines for Absolute Beginners" class at Prototype!

INSTRUCTOR BIO

Gene Anderson (they/he) is a self-taught sewist and quilter, and the creator/facilitator of Trans Tailoring at Prototype. Gene is the creator of The Jilt and several machine-sewn quilts, as well as a local bookkeeper, plant dad, and part-time q***r brunch host; as well as teaching sewing classes at Prototype, he is actually the current director of Prototype as well!

04/06/2026

Come join us for a night of camaraderie and fun! We will have a selection of board and card games of all types for people to enjoy. If we have groups interested in tabletop RPGs, we can facilitate a one-shot adventure or organize a regular campaign. Feel free to bring your own games as well! Designing, building, and of course playtesting games is also heavily encouraged!

FACILITATOR BIO

Charlie Koch is an amateur game designer and gaming aficionado. Whether it's video games, board games, tabletop RPGs, or just fun logic puzzles, Charlie is engaged in all manner of strategy, storytelling, and fun!

{RSVP at prototypepgh.org/events!}

03/31/2026

🌺 Spring 🌸 into a month of fun workshops and events at prototypepgh.org/events or at the link in bio! 🌼