The Informatics Program’s Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab hosted over 200 visitors of all ages for an open house on April 16. The event was held during the Boneyard Arts Festival, an annual three-day event hosted by 40 North | 88 West that showcases local artists, businesses, and organizations in the Champaign-Urbana community. The iSchool oversees Informatics Programs for the University.
At the open house, visitors could make one-of-a-kind buttons with the Fab Lab's new button maker and use laser engravers to make their own necklace or keychain. The Skeuomorph Press & BookLab, directed by Associate Professor Ryan Cordell, offered several print activities as well. The Teen Art Council provided handmade goods and the opportunity for visitors to paint panels for the Urbana High School mural that will be installed later this year. In addition, the lab showcased artwork created by lab staff who are local artists, including Emilie Butt, Duncan Baird, and Sara Paige.
"It's been great to see our students engage in such an event," said Associate Professor Kyungwon Koh, Fab Lab director. "They learn different fabrication technologies, develop and teach STEAM programs for community youth, serve diverse users, and work behind the scenes at the makerspace. For those future information professionals who will serve diverse people in the community, our lab offers hands-on, real-world learning experiences."
The Fab Lab will hold another open house in the fall to welcome students back to campus. The lab is available for use by the general public during open hours, which are listed on the lab's website.