Tinker & Fiddle LLC is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education company that encourages underrepresented youth to learn and apply technology through creative exploration and problem solving. They host programming in the Capital District for youth ages 9-14 and design STEAM curriculum for grade levels K-12.

They have 2 programs starting on October 27th:

Hey Diddle Diddle – Arduino Basics

Operation Railbridge is an initiative to revive the nine railway underpasses that recur throughout downtown Schenectady into dynamic public assets. These historic spaces are in various states of disrepair, and currently disconnect adjoining neighborhoods. This project was conceived to creatively address such conditions, connecting the city’s industrial history to an innovative future through the integration of responsive art, design and technology. As a collective, we are agents in reclaiming underutilized public space that will engage artisans, designers and community stakeholders to re-frame historical connections through creative economy.

Peg Foley is an artist and art educator working primarily with printmaking techniques, paint, and fibers in the hope of transforming ideas and beliefs into visual vignettes. Feeling that we constantly look to structure our lives and the natural world surrounding us to create safety and permanence within an ever-fluctuating universe, her work reflects this notion and is inspired by what she sees and senses from the gardens we grow to the walls and lives we construct.

Our Story

When we started ABB Designs we knew  we wanted to not just make beautiful furniture but also help our community. We love our city and are excited to join with others to revitalize it one building at a time. We take wood from blighted buildings that are being restored and create beautiful furniture  for those spaces. We also create many beautiful and unique pieces for customers out of variously sourced reclaimed wood. 

Scott Heller is a husband, father, grandfather, fourth grade teacher in Schenectady, and an artist. Since 2012 he has enjoyed building cigar box guitars as Joyful Noise Guitars and playing his creations with his gospel blues band Agape Blues Company. Scott has built hundreds of guitars with children of all ages in churches, community organizations, and schools from Schenectady to York, Pennsylvania. He is truly looking forward to bringing a “Joyful Noise” to the Electric City Barn!

Danielle Patton is the owner of Bacon Neckwear and Sew Breit.  She creates and designs custom sewn pieces from neckties and bowties to dresses for special occasions and more.  She is also the Assistant Costume designer at the Costumer in Schenectady, NY where she helps to create, sew and bring to life new costumes.  She studied Fashion Design at the FIT in New York, NY.  She has worked with such companies as The Workroom NYC, Walt Disney World, The Egg and others.  Her work has been featured locally at Electric City Couture, Albany Barn and Park Playhouse.

DJ Nate Da Great’s musical journey started early in life. In high school, he was scratching records and selling mixtapes around his hometown of Albany, NY. After many years of radio, DJ battles and live performances, Nate continues to be a staple in the music, art and fashion scene. He is a core member of the  Beat*Shot Music family and works on many projects with the Beat*Shot team, including the annual Beat*Shot Music Festival. He is a co-host and co-producer of the Podcast, 1 Song, and his new venture is Great Day At Work, a DJ service that caters to workplace productivity and happiness. Nate is a refreshing alternative for those seeking unique and diverse experiences.

Stay tuned for updates and more maker profiles!