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Curiosity Lab

The makerspace at the Grasselli Library & Breen Learning Center at John Carroll University.

Lead a Workshop

Do you have a hobby you would like to share with others? We would like to collaborate with students, staff, alumni, and JCU partners to host engaging workshops. Topics could be related to the outdoors, crafts, arts, innovation, STEM, community service, literacies, cultural awareness, wellness, and more. For more information, please contact Stephanie Diaz at sdiaz@jcu.edu.

Spring 2025

UPCOMING EVENTS

Eid Arabic Calligraphy Workshop | April 4, 2025 | 1:30 - 4:00 PM

Join us for a special Eid-themed Arabic Calligraphy Workshop at the Curiosity Lab! Celebrate the beauty of Arabic script and learn the art of calligraphy in a hands-on session. Whether you're a beginner or have experience, this workshop is a wonderful way to explore this timeless art form while embracing the spirit of Eid.

 

Sun Printing | April 5, 2025 | 10 AM - 1 PM

Join JCU's Creative Arts Club and the Grasselli Library this Saturday, April 5 in the Library Curiosity Lab between 10am and 1pm to try cyanotype photography! We will explore this camera-less photography process that creates blue images by exposing special materials to sunlight. We’ll make paper prints and designs on fabrics. Limited supplies will be available. Feel free to bring your own natural fiber materials (e.g. cotton, linen, canvas) to customize. This event is free and open to all JCU students.

 

Crochet Workshop for Beginners | April 11, 2025 | 2PM

The Grasselli Library is partnering with a few amazing JCU students to host a free beginner crochet workshop! Join us as we learn basic, essential stitches and get started on a project. We'll be making a cup cozy! No experience necessary, and materials will be provided. This workshop is the perfect way to take a break from classes and meet fellow students. Come stitch, chat, and create! Experienced crocheters (students, staff, faculty)--we'd love for you to join us and help others get started.


PAST EVENTS

Drop-In Studio for All: Alcohol Ink Art & Bookmarks  |  February 18, 2025

Approximately 35 JCU students explored the alcohol ink medium by mixing and dropping inks onto Yupo paper to create original works and vibrant, laminated bookmarks.

alcohol ink art and people dropping ink on paper

Faith Ringgold Collage & Paper Quilts | March 20, 2025

In celebration of Women’s History Month, join us as we make Faith Ringgold-inspired collage and paper memory quilts. Ringgold was an African-American mixed media artist, civil rights activist, and author known for many of her works including her innovative art quilts. We’ll also browse Ringgold’s children’s books and watch videos to learn about her work and legacy. No experience necessary. Stop by between classes. This event is free and open to all JCU students.

 

Celebrate Spring: Make Paper Flowers & Coloring | March 21, 2025

Let’s celebrate the start of spring! Take a break from studying and stop by the Curiosity Lab to make paper flowers and color spring-inspired coloring sheets. We’d also love your help decorating the space in preparation for Celebration! No experience necessary. This event is free and open to all JCU students.

 

Make Tiny Art | March 25, 2025

Stop by the Curiosity Lab to make Tiny Art for the upcoming DISCOVER Art Show! We’ll provide tiny canvases, drawing materials, and paint. All skill levels welcome! For those who prefer more direction, we’ll provide designs you can simply color in. This event is free and open to all JCU students.

 

Basic Printmaking | March 29, 2025

Stop by the Curiosity Lab to learn basic printmaking techniques using cardboard and foam! We'll create our own stamps and use them to create unique designs on paper. All skill levels are welcome. This event is free and open to all JCU students. 

 

Art for Awareness: Stories in Flight | March 31, 2025

Join LASA at the library for an event exploring immigration stories through creative expression. We'll be painting, decorating butterflies, and creating collages. We invite you to reflect and create visual narratives that connect your own experiences or those of others close to you to understand the challenges and triumphs of migration. Whether you're sharing a family story, a story of a close friend, imagining a journey, or thinking about what home and belonging mean to you, this event is a chance to reflect and connect through art. Join us in creating art that transcends borders, builds awareness, and celebrates the strength of those who have taken flight in search of a new beginning.