Adam Furgang - 10 Great Makerspace Projects Using Art

Cave paintings are the oldest known art created by humans. Images like these were painted on cave walls at locations around the world.

H ave you ever heard of a makerspace? Do you know what a makerspace is? If not, you are in for a treat. Makerspaces are new creative places, similar to libraries, where people can gain access to traditional and unique tools, tinker with technology, work on personal and group projects, and learn from one another. To put it simply, a makerspace is where you go to make things.

Makerspaces are also sometimes called Fab Labs, TechShops, or hackerspaces. Although they may differ slightly in their focus, the general goal is always the same: to create things.

You will find a variety of supplies, materials, tools, and equipment at a makerspace. Discarded and recyclable materials such as wood, cardboard, plastics, and even Lego bricks are common supplies in a typical makerspace. Traditional hand tools and modern computer equipment are also common tools found at makerspaces. These can include electronic, computer-controlled machines for cutting, etching, joining, extruding, and building. New printers that form three-dimensional objects from computer-based models, called 3D printers, are becoming common. Other machines for cutting, routing, milling, drilling, bonding, sewing, and more might be at a local makerspace. There, you can learn how to use these machines from experienced teachers and adults.

There might be a makerspace in your town, a nearby city, or even in your school. The Columbus Idea Foundry in Columbus, Ohio, and the Artisans Asylum in Somerville, Massachusetts, are two of the largest makerspaces in the world. The Columbus Idea Foundry is 65,000 square feet (6,039 square meters)! Because some makerspaces are so large, they charge an hourly rate or a membership fee to attend. Others, like one you may have at your school, could be free to attend or rely on donations to stay open. If no makerspaces are open nearby, you can join online makerspace organizations, groups, and communities.

If you want to learn new skills, collaborate with friends on projects, and work with tools, electronics, and technology that are not available to you at home, then a makerspace is the perfect place to meet up. You will likely make new friends, as well as learn from teachers and other adults. Creative groups can help you to learn some new skills or operate cutting-edge tools such as 3D printers. The thought of creating something with complicated tools at a makerspace might seem scary at first. But this resource will help you get ready for more complex projects.

Art is as old as humanity itself. Cave paintings almost forty thousand years old have been discovered. Art has been created through the centuries to help people and cultures show the world around them visually. Art is also used to express creative impulses. You, too, can brainstorm, collaborate with friends, and learn from others while making art projects. And you dont need to be an artist to make art. All you need is drive and the willingness to learn, grow, and have fun along the way. Art is about using your creative energy to make something new. Its about thinking and doing. Thats why makerspaces for artists can be a worthwhile endeavor.

CHAPTER ONE

GETTING STARTED WITH MAKERSPACES

S tarting with simple, easy-to-understand projects that only require common art supplies and tools is a great way to begin. Remember to use the following project instructions as a guide and think of them as you might think of recipes in a cookbook. If you are missing a specific supply or want to replace one with something you thought of on your own, feel free to use alternatives. Remember, there is no wrong way to create art.

PROJECT 1: CIRCLE ART

The goal of this project is to create a simple piece of art with colorful, painted cut-outs or hole-punched circles that can be glued or attached to a white background. This art project can be made with common, readily available items and supplies. When you start this or any other project, remember to cover your workspace with old newspapers or an old tablecloth first. Paint can and does get everywhere.

Gathering common art supplies you already have at school or around the home is a good first step before you start on art projects.

SUPPLIES

This art project can be created with paint, paintbrushes, cardboard, paper, wax paper, hole punchers of various sizes, bottlecaps, Play-Doh, circular food lids, hot glue gun, string, and/or scissors.

HOW TO

To create your circle art, start by figuring out what material you will want to attach your colored circles to. Thick white paper, a nice piece of cardboard, or even small canvases can all be good choices. If your paper or cardboard is not white, feel free to paint it white. Let it dry before you continue. Set this white background aside. You will be using it later to attach your colored circles to.

To see how colors will look together, choose your favorite vibrant paints and do some brush tests on scrap paper.

Next, choose a few colors from the paints you have available. Carefully squeeze out a few small blots of paint onto a paper plate or a palette. If you have dry paint, use water to get it wet and onto your paintbrush.

Then, take a new piece of white paper and place it down in front of you. This paper is to paint color on. Now, take your paintbrush and paint large swaths of color to cover as much of the paper as possible. Switch and vary the colors as you like, depending on your tastes or the colors of paint that are available. Use one, two, or many more colors and blend them together for interesting results. Once this step is finished, let the paint dry before the next step.