Lauren RabainoMaybe you’re an engineering senior with a passion for surfing. Or you’re investing your time studying animal science at Cal Poly, but also really enjoy the art of jewelry making. With heavy academic demands, how is it possible for a full-time college student to make time to fulfill these buried creative passions?
The answer lies within the ASI Craft Center. The center is located on the first floor of the University Union across from Poly Escapes. It offers a variety of craft classes for students to explore their artistic interests and talents without ever having to leave campus.
“It’s a different area of your college experience. Here you can get away from school and expand yourself,” said industrial engineering senior and Craft Center skateboard shaping and ceramics instructor Matt Burch.
Here are some of the many classes offered:
Bike Maintenance
For many of you who pledge allegiance to your bikes or those looking to spruce up an old 1960 Schwinn Lady cruiser, there is a bike maintenance class available. There you can learn how to keep your bike in tip-top shape. Bike repair services are also available to students.
Ceramics
If you’ve never thrown clay and enjoy getting your hands dirty, pull up a seat next to a kick wheel and try a ceramics class. Classes range from beginning to intermediate.
“You don’t need experience to take the classes at the center. A lot of amateurs come in and we teach them the basics,” Burch said.
Flameworking
If you’re a borderline pyro or really wondered what it’s like to create beads, pendants and other interesting pieces of art out of glass and fire, then don’t stop yourself from trying it out. You may just make a friend in the process too.
“Taking classes at the Craft Center is a great way to release stress and work the other side of the brain. It’s also a great way to meet other people,” said civil engineering senior and Craft Center student manager Natalie Rothell.
Jewelry Smithing/Casting
For those fashionistas who get tired of seeing the same old jewelry trends, create your own. You will learn how to cast jewelry and set your own stones. Think of how cool you’ll feel when your friend asks you where you got your one-of-a-kind rhinestone pave hoop earrings?
Skateboard Deck Shaping
If skating is a part of your lifestyle or if you know someone who lives and breathes the skating culture, then you might want to try a skateboard deck shaping class.
“I’ve seen people come in and take the skateboard shaping class and make boards and other gifts for their significant others, friends, brothers and sisters,” Burch said. You’ll not only impress your friends with an original deck design that you can’t buy anywhere else, but more importantly, you’ll impress yourself.
Surfboard Shaping
Similar to the skateboard shaping class, there are several surfboard shaping classes available for those who set surfline.com as their homepage. For those surfers who own seven different boards and still haven’t found that perfect one, now is the time to make that happen. These classes allow students to shape their boards to fit their own individual needs and styles.
Many students have registered for classes at the Craft Center for winter quarter and are already showing deep enthusiasm for their newfound hobbies.
“I want to be a well-rounded guy by taking some of these classes. The Craft Center is also a really friendly environment,” recreation sophomore Erik Vorsatz said. He is planning to take a ceramics class this quarter. “I’m really excited because I plan to eventually sell some of the stuff I make at the Craft Sale (which will be held later in the year),” Vorsatz added.
Most of the classes are two hours long. So if you’re looking for a nice, rejuvenating way to spend your break between classes, then taking a class at the Craft Center might be a great option for you.
The Craft Center is open every day except Sundays. Hours, class prices and craft class schedule are available online here.
Most of the classes don’t start until the third week of January, so there’s still plenty of time to register. Students can register for classes online at connect.asi.calpoly.edu or at the Craft Center.