December 14, 2017
Upper School student Cloris Lin established MPA’s Design Club this year as a creative outlet beyond the classroom. The Makerspace became home to the club, hosting their meetings officiated by Ms. Koen. The meetings, which take place every Monday during lunch and after school, begin with one simple question: “What do you want to make?”
The freedom of Design Club reflects the flow of ideas that Upper School students at MPA are encouraged to enact on and embrace. It did not take long for students to find interest in MPA’s new club. After just two meetings, it has grown to eight members, ranging from freshmen to seniors who all began with a complete orientation of the Makerspace.
The club allows a sense of independence in the space, too. Ms. Koen demonstrates the use of a particular machine, and then the students will try their hands on it during the following meeting. The club has naturally established their own workflow method that begins with an idea, leads to drawing a picture, deciding which materials and machines to use to bring it to life, and then the physical making of their designs. So far, students in the club have begun projects in woodworking and sewing, and many are using the time and resources to make their own holiday gifts!
While the club promotes artistic freedom, the students want to make sure they are all tracking their skill progression with each machine and project they complete. They are looking for growth, both individually and as a whole group. In brainstorming for the future, students discussed creating laptop stickers for the Upper School to spread awareness that this club facilitates a workshop for their hands and minds. They also plan on using their skills to reach a community outside of MPA, like sewing for local nursing homes. With their productive meetings and inimitable workshop in the Makerspace, there is nothing stopping Design Club from dreaming big and doing right, stationed right here on campus.
