Please note: this session takes place in the Maker Hub, which is located on the first floor of Lauinger Library. It is not in HFSC. We are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness – on the Hilltop, nationally, and internationally. It started before the pandemic and has gotten worse since. Those who feel the loneliest are the youngest adults, Gen Z, our students and young alums. This cohort has grown up with increasing anxiety, depression, and sense of overwhelm. In national surveys students report that what causes most stress for them is academics, other studies show many students feel they don’t “belong.” As our students grew up tracked for success, each moment had to be productive. In addition to sleep, other non-negotiables were cast off as lazy, indulgent, a waste of time. Art, music, and play were all whittled away.
There is considerable evidence of the positive impact of engaging in creative expression on physical health, e.g., blood pressure goes down, cortisol goes down, the immune system is bolstered. There is also evidence of the positive effects on mental health with reduced anxiety and increased focus, and social health with reduced loneliness and increased sense of community. Our students need space for creative expression.
The answer lies in the Maker Hub! On the first floor of Lau is a wonderful space filled with specialized equipment including 3D printers, a laser cutter, woodworking tools, electronics, arts and crafts materials, etc. Add an intentionally collaborative environment and you’ve got a space for connection – with a project, with others, with oneself.
In this workshop on location at the Maker Hug, get creative with hands-on experience with several different Maker Hub resources, such as:
- The button machines; choose your image and put it on a button!
- The vinyl cutters; design and cut custom stickers or heat-transfers
- Printmaking; draw and then carve rubber blocks to make a print
- Painting; rocks and paints provided