Located in the basement of Belk Library and Information Commons, the Makerspace is designed to offer a space for exploration, innovation and learning using a wide range of technologies and artistic methods.
Stocked with 3D printers, sewing machines, button makers, vinyl and laser cutters, craft supplies and more, the Makerspace is open to all those on campus who are in need of a space where creativity is inspired and projects can be realized.
The first version of the Makerspace at App State opened in 2017, and it was just big enough to hold about five to 10 people and a few 3D printers. The most recent update to the Makerspace was opened in 2022 and is the current space with its array of materials and extended hours of operation.
The Makerspace is a place to explore and learn beyond a traditional academic setting. Emerging technologies librarian and overseer of the Makerspace and Virtual Reality Studio, Hannah Pope, believes this opportunity is essential to student success.
“Students need more than just traditional research skills when they go out into the world,” Pope said. “Making and using your hands allows you to solve problems in ways you don’t get to do in academic classes.”
One way the Makerspace provides this opportunity is through their workshops open to all students, faculty and staff. The workshops are targeted at teaching a wide array of creative skills and feature a broad range of activities including learning how to hand sew or make a laser cutter clock.
Learning technologies and spaces manager Kai Weaver believes the workshops are a great way for students to explore and grow their creativity, which strongly resonates with students on campus. She expresses a love for how students take the knowledge and arts they have learned in the Makerspace far beyond its four walls.
“They get to keep on going with it. We’ve had some students learn mending, sewing, and they’ve started businesses with it,” Weaver said. “It is so rewarding to see that.”
However, for those feeling the weight of studying for midterms and finals and are simply looking for a break, the Makespace offers mental-wellness workshops such as mini canvas painting and diamond art. They also keep a fully stocked mental-wellness creative corner with coloring, journaling and small crafting materials open to students around the clock.
Junior biology major Fen Morton is an avid user of the Makerspace for a myriad of personal projects and recommends the space as a place to get creative, relax and build community.
“I am not the most social of people, to the point that I would stay at home a lot of my weekends, and then when I started picking up projects, I would come here,” Morton said. “I have met a ton of people, both staff and students, who have now become my friends.”
The Makerspace plans to continue offering students and staff opportunities to create things they would not normally get to and provide them with memories and skills that will serve them far beyond campus.
“Like Ms. Frizzle says, ‘get messy, make mistakes, then keep on going,’” Weaver said. “Not everything will be perfect, but if you did it, that’s the biggest success.”
