Phoebe showcased her Howling Heart booth at Maker Faire® Coney Island this past weekend, where she proudly won the award for Best Youth Maker. Over the course of two days, more than sixty attendees of all ages gathered around Phoebe to learn how to design their own dragon puppets. By request of the Operations Director, Jeremy Horland, Phoebe made her Howling Heart booth more interactive for the visitors, resulting in an enthusiastic influx of children and adults that eventually allowed for ten participants to join in at a time. Craft enthusiasts were thrilled to meet Phoebe, eager to share their skills and learn from her.

Although Phoebe offered her own artwork for sale, it quickly became clear that Maker Faire® is not just about commerce; it embodies a culture of interactive learning and creative exploration. The event celebrates the spirit of making, where everyone is invited to engage with the innovative minds of the creators.

Phoebe's achievement as Best Youth Maker highlights her passion and dedication. She forged new connections at the Faire and is excited to return next year. Howling Heart first debuted at Maker Faire® Hudson Valley at Garner Arts Center in May 2024, where Jeremy Horland discovered her talent. Phoebe conceived the idea for Howling Heart in her 6th grade art class and has been crafting puppet dragons since the 5th grade.

Jeremy Horland shared his vision for Maker Faire® Coney Island:

“Our Faire is going back to the “roots” of what a Maker Faire is, it’s a dialogue of creativity where a dozens of languages & kids can meet on even ground. Rival high-schools came to collaborate. Rival makerspaces worked together to teach bead art. The cops were soldering with the hackers, and women in Burkah were pressing t-shirts with Orthodox families. If we can achieve this here, it can spread.”