Spark creativity at Ignite Hamilton East Public Library facilitates public art space Veda Thangudu
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gnite, the art studio at the Fishers Public Library, offers a lot of supplies, and it is for the art person in everyone to try a collection of new things. It is open during regular library hours. Prior knowledge is not needed to try most of what they have available. “I feel Ignite is a great space to try out different forms of art,” sophomore Shriya Gawade said. “There are a lot of opportunities there that you can explore. I’m really happy that it’s available to our community, Fishers.” The studio has many amenities such as two pottery wheels to create pots, Cricut machines for projects like t-shirt printing and more. “We are all about accessibility and providing things that people want to use,” Assistant Manager of Ignite Studio Jackie Humphrey said. “In our fabrication lab, we have a laser engraver, two 3D Printers and a large vinyl cutter.” The only requirement is a library card to check out kits and work on equipment. Applying for the library card is a quick process, the only requirements are an email and proof of address. “Most people use our kits,” Humphrey said. “A few are screen printing, paper making, paint kits like watercolors and acrylics, jewelry making kits, origami kits, chalk and oil pastel kits.” There are newly added STEMrelated kits for kids like Lego and Ozobots, which are much safer in terms of equipment and tools provided. “They have a room for younger kids with boxes that have all the supplies you would need to learn a hobby, including instruction
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Assistant manager of Ignite Studio Jackie Humphrey gives Vanessa a tutorial on how to use a sewing machine at Ignite on Friday, Aug.27. manuals, articles and links to YouTube tutorial videos,” sophomore Talia Mahmoud said. Being that it is inside, the studio has a higher chance of virus transmission. As a result, the staff is making the studio a safer place. “We listen to CDC guidelines, we have cleaning protocols to go through for all of our supplies, we regularly disinfect the area. As the CDC recommendations loosen, we will be following that,” Humphrey said. The studio also has a Maker In Residence (MIR) program, where artists from different backgrounds are available at the studio for six to 12 weeks. They take sessions over their residence, and an open studio where they are open for any questions. “I feel like there is a lot of guidance; with the Makers in Residence that come in, they help me learn new skills and make my
projects better,” Gawade said. “It’s not one-on-one, there are more people in the room with you, but it’s still a fair amount, so you’ve got some attention.” The last MIR ended in August with Boxx The Artist. Eric Salazar, who has a musical background, is the current Maker from September to December 2021. Salazar is teaching classes about audio recording, audio engineering and getting into the music business. He is also creating a community album and utilizing the AV Studio at Ignite. “I believe it is a great outlet for crafty and creative people,” Mahmoud said. “I would tell everyone to visit the center at least once. Whether they are interested in painting, sewing, embroidery, film, photography, recording podcasts or are not even sure of their hobbies, I assure them that they would have a great time regardless.”
Fishers Library hours: Monday Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Scan this QR code to visit Ignite Studio’s website.
September 2021
