At the end of October, the White House officially announced its first-ever “3-D Printed Ornament Challenge.” As part of its commitment to the “Maker Movement,” the White House continues to stand behind opportunities for students to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), as well as to foster the development of advanced manufacturing in the United States, and expand resources available to entrepreneurs.
In a partnership with the Smithsonian and Instructables, entrants were encouraged to use 3-D modeling and 3-D printing to design and submit a holiday-inspired ornament. More than 300 artists, makers, engineers, designers, and others interested in 3-D modeling entered; however, only five were selected as contest winners.
It was not required that entrants have their own 3-D printer in order to participate; they were able to design their ornament using 3-D modeling software and could submit it through the Instructables site to have it 3-D printed and shipped to the White House. Contest specs requested that ornaments be no larger than 3 x 3 in. and “reflect the magic and wonder of the holidays.”
The contest ran from October 30 through November 10. The winning ornaments will be hung in the East Wing of the White House throughout the duration of the holiday season. In addition, these ornaments will be featured on the Smithsonian’s state-of-the-art 3-D data platform, and will eventually end up in the National Museum of American History.
Announced last week, the winners included:
The Star of Bliss ornament, created by Roy Eid (Texas):
Winter Wonderland of Innovation ornament, created by David Moore and Brandy Badami (Michigan):
The Library of Congress ornament, created by Vicky Somma (Virginia):
Winter Snowflakes ornament, created by Gil Rivera (New Jersey):
Presidents of Christmas Past and Present ornament, created by Antar Gamble Hall (New York):
Via Mashable and the White House
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