CATalyst Studios staff and interns participated in this year's TENWEST Impact Festival in November. CATalyst Studios is our makerspace that offers workshops, certifications, drop-in sessions, and much more.

Mona Nakamura, Outreach & Creative Programs Specialist (pictured, standing) coordinated the involvement of four student presenters: Alyssa Woods, Taaon Fraser, Amy Ellsworth, and Vanessa Campbell (pictured, left to right, seated). TENWEST is a celebration of the growing innovation, creative and entrepreneurial ecosystems in Southern Arizona.

Each CATalyst student panelist had 10 minutes to speak on a topic they are passionate about. Alyssa discussed "How Technology Meets Art;" Taaon covered "Inclusivity in the Makerspace;" Amy spoke about "Building a Community of Learners;" and Vanessa shared "Finding Freedom through Creativity."

About 20 total student employees and interns work in CATalyst Studios every semester.

What do you want other students to know about CATalyst Studios?

Alyssa:

There are tons of art supplies (markers, glue, sewing items, crochet/knitting, and more), and we have basic items, too. People are welcome to use any of these supplies.

Taaon:

You don't have to come in with ideas. You can look around [at finished projects, machinery, tools and supplies], and we can help you, too. A lot of people are afraid they'll break the machines. You won't, and even if you do, no one's going to get mad at you.

Amy:

Every student has an automatic $50 credit (per semester) that they can use for materials, workshops, etc. This credit renews every semester.

Vanessa:

CATalyst is a great place to gain new skills. My student internship was the entry-point to other learning opportunities [such as 3D printing and laser cutting]. 

What you can do at CATalyst:

• Explore and use equipment, including laser cutters and 3D printers
• Attend events and workshops to learn new maker skills, such as 3D modeling and sewing 
• Use spaces to create your media and projects such as podcasts and videos
• Get certified in 3D printing, laser cutting, and embroidery

You don't need previous experience to use the spaces, equipment, or technology to create innovative projects.

Visit the studios in Main Library or contact catalyst@email.arizona.edu to learn more.

TENWEST Impact Festival

Founded by Startup Tucson in 2015 and hosted every November in Downtown Tucson, TENWEST's cross-industry approach showcases the connectivity between technology, entrepreneurship, creativity, culture and impact, uniting attendees to gain the knowledge and inspiration they need to innovate within their own careers and communities. The weeklong event welcomes thousands of diverse attendees to participate in a multi-day conference, Street Fest, nightly xEvents and numerous partner events and experiences.