 Some people discover craftsmanship as a hobby. For Silas, it became not just a fascination but a way of life before most teenagers had their first job.
He began working at just fourteen years old, making and selling knives. Experienced craftspeople willing to invest in a young maker mentored Silas. Those early mentors shaped not only his technical skills but also his philosophy of work. Among them was bladesmith Mace Vitale, known to many through Forged in Fire. More importantly than any clout that follows appearances made in the media, however, was what young Silas would walk away with, "He taught me that the mission of a craftsperson is to create work that is useful, exceeds industry standards, and still bears the unmistakable imprint of the artist who made it." That mindset has guided many chapters of Silas's career.
Over the years he has moved between running his own business, Sherwood Custom, and working in other custom shop settings—the kind whose work fills carefully curated Instagram feeds and leaves woodworkers, followers, and craft enthusiasts in awe by the tens of thousands. After moving to Lynchburg about eight years ago, one such position opened up at a shop Silas had digitally ogled for years. It seems the luck of getting paired in such a rich mentorship early on was still with him as he embarked on this new journey. This dreamy job slowly became a masterclass in process. Recalling the early days at Modern Oak Construction, Silas lauged remembering staring at the shop, convinced he might be the only one on the floor who knew how to “cope crown” (a fairly complicated process for joining crown moulding). He couldn't have been more wrong. In my favorite moment of chatting with Silas he described this mistake as “awesome”. Excitement spread across his face. Being schooled wasn't embarrassing—it was exciting. It meant he had just discovered there was an entirely new level of craftsmanship waiting for him. Despite this awakening at the beginning of his time at Modern Oak he was eventually promoted to the role of Specialty Lead, redefining what it meant to have a specialty not only in his woodworking skills but also his understanding of efficient systems.
Today, that appreciation for process follows him everywhere— and much to our joy, to Vector Space. After years of hearing about this rumored collaborative workshop on the wind, joining became an easy decision. When a collaborative partner recommended they join together, Silas was eager to jump in. They felt that being able to pop in and use the table saw whenever the need struck, would prove useful. It quickly proved invaluable. As his hours at VS accumulated, he found himself developing new favorite tools, namely, the wide belt sander. Reflecting on a painful build pre-Vector Space, Silas described how the machine became less of a luxury and more of a revelation as he went from “hand-sanding a batch of thirty-inch white oak round tabletops all the way to 220 grit” to relishing in the super efficiency for his workflow.
It’s always fun to see what Silas will be working on next at the shop. One afternoon, while cutting through the VS loading dock, I found Silas and his brother in the middle of transforming a cargo van into a mobile production studio! His brother's career as videographer and international marketing professional take him all over the US and around the world for shoots, requiring a truck decked out to epic proportions. The true joy for Vector Space came in watching the puzzle pieces come together—not only because of the imaginative tease of what this shop on wheels will one day see and do, but in the simple pleasure of watching two brothers work together to build something special. Their shared eye for detail made it clear that craftsmanship, whether it be with wood or cameras, runs in the family.
The blend of artistry and function seen in the van project is one that’s also at the heart of Sherwood Custom, a business he has operated for nearly eight years.The name dates back to his younger days, inspired by hiking, trail names, and of course the legendary refuge in the fabled forest. More than a clever brand, it reflects the feeling he hopes his work creates. Just as Sherwood Forest represented refuge, Silas wants the spaces he builds to become places of comfort, warmth, and retreat within a home.
I’m excited by Silas’s design aesthetic, when creating professionally, he spans a field of modern, personal and classic. It reflects a collaboration with existing spaces which implies his depth of understanding when it comes to ‘reading the room’. When Silas is creating for personal joy his artistry leans medieval, deftly falling like solid oak back into that grounded refuge Sherwood Forest. He’s known to incorporate playful historic details like quatrefoils. Whether he’s playing or working his greatest satisfaction comes from solving problems creatively. Every project presents a new puzzle, and every solution is an opportunity to blend beauty with function.
Looking ahead, the future feels intentionally open. International Airbnb projects, expanded custom builds, and perhaps an evolutionary branch of Sherwood Custom specializing in vehicle conversions all remain possibilities. Whatever direction he chooses, one thing seems certain, Silas isn't chasing a particular product or title. He's chasing the next opportunity to learn, create something meaningful and original, and work from the heart. If you've fallen in love with his craft as we have, don't worry. Silas assures us, "I will always be doing something with my hands somewhere."
You can follow along on Silas’s oak-strong start and the ensuing journey by visiting Sherwood Custom's website and Instagram
Outside the shop, Silas continues to look for opportunities to learn and share what he loves with others, training in jiu-jitsu and enjoying time completing projects at home with his wife Hannah.
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 We could not have felt more supported or more grateful for the way Lynchburg showed up for our 10th Birthday Celebration on Saturday May 30th —and for the way this community has supported Vector Space over the past decade.
Your support sends a clear message: our community believes Lynchburg is stronger for having a place where creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and learning can thrive together. That support was visible throughout the evening. It was reflected in the countless hours of work that went into the handcrafted auction items, the incredible homemade birthday cakes, the generous contributions from local businesses, and the kind words shared by our partners, members, and friends.
The celebration was led by Executive Director Elise Spontarelli, whose dedication and leadership have helped transform a bold idea into a thriving community resource. Through her work building partnerships, coordinating programs, supporting volunteers, and fostering connections throughout the region, Elise is at the heart of making the makerspace possible.
During her remarks, Elise recognized several individuals whose contributions have had a profound impact on Vector Space and the community it serves.
Service Award: Des Black
Des Black received the Service Award in recognition of his extraordinary willingness to help wherever needed. Whether serving as a volunteer, teacher, donor, advisor, or mentor, Des consistently demonstrates the initiative to identify challenges and the commitment to help solve them. His generosity and dedication have strengthened the makerspace in countless ways.
Maker of the Year: Tim Garnier
Tim Garnier was named Maker of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the makerspace community. Beyond his many recognitions as Maker of the Month, Tim exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines Vector Space. His willingness to assist fellow makers, enthusiasm for group projects, broad technical knowledge, and positive attitude make him an invaluable member of the community.
Partnership Award: Peter Sheldon
Peter Sheldon received the Partnership Award for a decade of steadfast support and collaboration. A supporter of Vector Space since its earliest days, Peter has played an important role in nurturing partnerships with Randolph College, supporting local robotics programs, and helping make Maker Faire a success year after year. His continued commitment has created opportunities that have benefited makers and budding engineers throughout the region.
Founder's Award: Adam Spontarelli
The Founder's Award was presented to Adam Spontarelli in recognition of the vision, determination, and perseverance that brought Lynchburg's makerspace into existence. Adam's passion for solving difficult problems and his belief that progress requires continual growth have helped shape Vector Space from its earliest days. His leadership, hands-on every aspect involvement, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on the community.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt presentation from Adam, featuring stories, an in depth slideshow, and memories from the past ten years. While no presentation could fully capture the thousands of projects built, skills learned, friendships formed, and lives touched through the makerspace, it came remarkably close.
As we reflect on the last decade, we are filled with gratitude for every member, volunteer, partner, donor, instructor, and supporter who has helped make Vector Space what it is today.
Thank you, Lynchburg, for ten incredible years of making, learning, and building together. We look forward to the next chapter and all that we will create as a community in the years ahead.
Missed the celebration? Watch Adam's anniversary slideshow here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JN8PrECNaE
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 Vector Space congratulates Margot Marcais, a recent graduate of Amherst County High School, who, in her final semester, represented the region at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona, earlier this year.
The journey leading up to taking her project on the road has been a long one. Beginning in 9th grade her, Margot had a dream: to recycle plastic directly into the materials she needed to make stuffed animals. What began as a crochet passion project during the COVID-19 pandemic grew into a big idea for unique recycling and a small business! Today, Margot sells her handmade crochet stuffed animals at a local farmers market.
To create the stuffing for those animals, Margot modified an old cotton candy machine to heat and spin recycled plastic bottles into fine polyester fibers. As makers know—and as Margot discovered—projects have a way of growing in complexity. As her design evolved, she needed someone with experience to help her navigate the finer points of applying temperature control to her machine.
We were excited to play a part in Margot's journey of creating and refining her recycled plastic fiber machine by connecting her to Bill Guzek, a Vector Space member, Board Member, and Electronics Shop Captain. Bill volunteered his time to meet with Margot regularly over several months, helping her better understand heat transfer, electronics, soldering, and machine design. Together they explored the capabilities of her modified cotton candy machine, and Bill introduced her to the use of an ESP32 microcontroller to build a programmable temperature-control system. While Margot completed nearly all of the machine modifications herself, Bill's guidance helped her develop the knowledge and confidence needed to solve increasingly complex engineering challenges. It's an exciting moment for Vector Space when we can connect young innovators eager to learn and succeed with mentors seasoned by experience.
Soon Margot was ready to compete, and she earned the Grand Prize in Engineering and Technology at the Central Virginia Regional Science Fair for her innovative project which builds a unique bridge between sustainability, engineering, and entrepreneurship. This qualified Margot for a fair described as “the biggest pre collegiate Science and engineering competition in the world”. Roughly 1,600 students from 65 countries and territories from around the world meet annually to compete at ISEF.
Margot's trip to Phoenix was the culmination of years of work. What started as a small business during the pandemic evolved into four years of research, design, and refinement, demonstrating both entrepreneurial spirit and engineering ingenuity.
Stories like Margot's are a reminder of what makes makerspaces special. When curious people have access to tools, knowledge, and mentors willing to share their expertise, remarkable things can happen. Makerspaces everywhere are places where stories like this are made.
We congratulate Margot on this achievement and wish her continued success as she showcases the innovation, creativity, and determination coming out of Central Virginia. This fall, Margot plans to attend Washington and Lee University to study mechanical engineering and continue developing sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Thanks are also owed to Bill for generously sharing his knowledge and expertise. His commitment to the project has been truly inspiring. Bill continues to work on personal projects and teach at Vector Space, this weekend offering a short workshop for members on battery welding.
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 Vector Space is 10! We are throwing a birthday party to celebrate. Join us on Saturday, May 30 to mark this milestone together. Whether you are a first time visitor or seasoned maker, we hope you will join the celebration! RSVP to help us plan accurately: vector-space.org/10-year-anniversary-celebration
Silent Auction Sneak Peek
Take home a gift from the party! The celebration will include an auction of Lynchburg's best maker made items, with proceeds to benefit Vector Space educational programs and facility improvements. Shop leather, art and decor, custom wood pieces, stained glass, toys and games, local gift cards, and more!
Anniversary Auction: vectorspace.rallyup.com/10years
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 We are recruiting for the 2027 Robotics season!
Current 8-10th graders are invited to attend the Robotics Open House on Friday, May 15. Join us after school to tour the makerspace, meet the team, and check out the robot.
Applications for the 2027 season will be accepted from May 1-31st. All applicants will be notified of their selection status in June. If accepted, students will be invited to attend Summer Enrichment programming at Vector Space. Selected students will be offered a spot on the team in September, with commitments and payment due in the Fall.
Apply here: https://vector-space.org/frc-robotics
To learn more, check out the following links:
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 Written by: Chelsea Tinklenberg
For several semesters, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Vector Space—bringing my sculpture students into the metal shop to learn basic fabrication skills. What often begins as an introduction to tools and processes grows into something much bigger: a shift in confidence, a willingness to try, and a recognition that these tools—and this kind of making—are for everyone.
That idea of access has always been central to the work. Both Elise, the director of Vector Space, and I have had conversations with people who say things like, “I’d love to take a workshop there, but maybe something besides metal—something more feminine.” And our immediate response—especially as women working in this space—is always: no, metal is for everyone! The tools, the material, the shop—none of it should feel off-limits.
This mural project grew out of that shared belief, but it also marked a shift for me. During my sabbatical, I approached this as a collaborative community project—one where I intentionally brought in others with different areas of expertise, and where I could also step into the role of a beginner. I don’t know much about paint, and to be honest, it’s a material that has always felt a little outside of my comfort zone. So I leaned into that.
I invited Sierra Schneider, our new graphic design professor, who brings a deep knowledge of typography and visual language, and Abi Monticlaro, a former student and now alumni who studied painting and currently works as a muralist at Amazement Square. Abi, especially, brought a level of confidence and fluency with paint that I don’t have—and that was exactly the point. This became a space where our skills could overlap, inform one another, and expand what the project could be.
That kind of exchange is something I’ve come to really value—not just in this project, but in my teaching and studio practice more broadly. In sculpture, one of my first goals is to introduce students to power tools. Not just so they can use them, but so they can move through that initial hesitation and build a sense of self-efficacy. Once you realize you can do something that once felt intimidating, that mindset carries over. You approach new materials, new processes, new problems with more openness and curiosity.
 And increasingly, I find that same energy in my own work—that excitement of trying something new, even when I don’t fully know what I’m doing.
What makes Vector Space such a meaningful place to do this kind of work is its culture. It’s not just that it’s a well-equipped, state-of-the-art shop—it’s that the space actively works to remove barriers. Small details matter: things like having hair ties available in the safety area, or the way tools are introduced without assumption or hierarchy. Whether you’re brand new or highly experienced, there’s a sense that you belong there.
Even when I teach workshops at Vector Space, it never feels like a one-way exchange. I often feel like I learn just as much as I’m teaching. There’s a flattening of hierarchy that happens naturally—people share knowledge, troubleshoot together, and move fluidly between being a teacher and a learner.
Elise spoke about this in a talk she gave a few years ago, referencing the history of paper marbling—a process that was once highly guarded, passed down in secret and limited to a select few. That idea has really stuck with me. Because Vector Space operates in direct opposition to that model. Knowledge here is shared. Tools are accessible. Whether it’s open-source software or equipment that might traditionally feel reserved for engineers or specialists, the emphasis is always on openness and invitation.
In many ways, this mural became a reflection of that ethos. It brought together different materials, different skill sets, and different levels of experience. It created space for collaboration, experimentation, and learning across disciplines.
 And ultimately, that’s what I think sculpture—and art more broadly—can do best. It activates space.
My hope is that this mural doesn’t just exist as an object on the wall, but as something that encourages movement within the shop. That it invites people to try something new, to step out of the corner they’re most comfortable in, to pick up a tool or material they haven’t used before. To embrace that beginner’s mindset.
Because the more we do that, the more we build not just skill, but confidence—and a shared belief in our ability to learn, to adapt, and to make.
Chelsea Tinklenberg is a sculptor and Professor of Art at the University of Lynchburg. Her work explores balance, motion, and the relationship between material and movement, often through playful, large-scale forms. She has been a member of Vector Space since 2020.
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 For eight years, Vector Space has proudly produced Maker Faire Lynchburg, bringing the curious minds of Central Virginia a feast of knowledge, creativity, and fun! For one spectacular day each year, Lynchburg comes alive with everything from trumpets that shoot fire to power tools that drag race, bananas that play synth sounds, and marble machines built in every direction imaginable.
Now in its 9th fabulous year, Maker Faire Lynchburg is still growing! not only are we adding new exibitors but our friends at Randolph College are once again helping pave the way for expansion with the addition of the Smith Building, allowing us to host more Makers, more doing, and more hands-on learning than ever before. We’re also expanding our hours this year! Maker Faire Lynchburg will run from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 22nd. With our typical attendance of over 3,000 guests — and a projected reach of up to 4,000 this year — we’re making sure parking is accessible for all. A shuttle will run continuously from Bedford Avenue to Randolph’s main Rivermont entrance. Parking will be available at both Dollar General and Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center. A special thanks to these community partners for helping great things like Maker Faire thrive in the Burg!
As the greatest show-and-tell Lynchburg has ever seen, we remain committed to delivering unforgettable, hands-on experiences for families, adults, performers, builders, racers, lifelong learners, hobbyists, scientists, and curious minds of all ages. In combination with Randolph College’s SciFest, Maker Faire Lynchburg has become a cornerstone event in our community — and this year we’re once again attracting must-see, must-learn talent.
We are excited to welcome a variety of new and returning creators, including:
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The Chaos Machine
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Tom Heck’s innovative geodesic musical dome
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The Secret Garden interactive group build
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Invector Gadget presented by Lynchburg’s First Robotics Competition Team
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And many more amazing Makers!
Delicious food vendors will be on site at Randolph College’s beautiful and historic front campus too!
We are thrilled to be sponsored by organizations that support learning and creativity in our community: Randolph College, Mustaches 4 Kids, the Innovation Fund of Northern Virginia, Lynchburg Tourism, radio 434 & Anderson windows
We can’t wait to see you at the 9th Annual Maker Faire Lynchburg!
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