About The Lab

Fab Lab Fort Smith, aka The Lab, is an all volunteer nonprofit co-op space in Fort Smith, Arkansas for makers, hackers, and artists. Part of the official MIT Fab Lab global network (and currently the only one in Arkansas) we tap into this global hive rerouting knowledge straight into our hometown. No waiting for permission. We’re wiring up a city where misfits make magic, and everyone’s invited. Echoes in the Static is the blog/zine/thing that documents the ideas and stories from this magic.

The Third Space

Home's where you sleep. Work's where you clock in. The Lab is everything in between, a third space for makers, hackers, and artists to do what matters. Maybe you're firing up the 3D printer, digging into code, rolling D&D die, or just sipping coffee over a game of chess. Whatever it is, you're not alone here.

Events, Classes, and Meet-ups

We host events in the space and around town. We want to nurture micro communities and the exchange of knowledge. These activities range from chess club, CTF competitions, 3D printing classes, Bitcoin courses, pirate cinema, hacker meet-ups, maker bazaars, banned and other revolutionary ideas book club, and artist collabs to name a few.

Making the City We Want

Too often, we end up in places for reasons outside our control, close to work, near family, financial limitations. But what if we flipped the script? What if we lived here because we wanted to? Because the city was alive with creativity. Because we had spaces that felt like belonging. Because people like us, makers, hackers, artists, outliers had room to breathe, build, and be. We’re not waiting for the city to change. We’re making it, one weird, wonderful idea at a time. H4CK TH3 FOR7!

Want to join the community?

We live on Discord. Hop on and introduce yourself. All are welcome here. :)