By Janet Sellers
Our summer Art Hop ended in September, but art events and activities have just begun for the fall season. October is recognized as National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) in the United States. It’s a national celebration to promote equitable access to the arts, increase participation, and highlight the positive impact on individuals and communities.
For some new, creative, imaginative experiences, I went to visit the new location of Monumental Impact for Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship (MITEE), a studio workplace for learning. It’s our local makerspace for all ages and all levels of making. The up-and-coming trend of makerspaces is an idea where a person can go to learn and use equipment they don’t already have or know how to use. One can make products or develop skills and go beyond what they already know into new developments or just new kinds of projects. Participants at MITEE design with 3D printers, metal forging, robotics and more. Volunteering for students and adults includes a wide variety of opportunities, too.
Executive Director Jeanette Breton showed me the wide variety of equipment, tools, and technology that they have and teach for people to be able to make things for themselves, gifts, or become an entrepreneur. From cosplay costumes to toys to engraving names and memories for glass sets to promotional items, there are many ways to learn and use the wide variety of tools there. I saw finished projects of all sizes: engraved drinking glasses, laser wood engraving, refined 3D printing for toys, chess sets, cosplay helmets, and tools. People of all ages go to the makerspace and are learning to make things using technology and hand-building. I was surprised to see that copper and other metals can be used in the 3D printer, and there is a laser device that will incise designs and patterns into wood.
Besides current tech introductions and learning workshops at our local Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Activity Center and throughout our Pikes Peak Library District, Monumental Impact offers memberships and tutoring for new workspaces.
Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker, offering talks, workshops, and art in public places for museums, communities, institutional talks, and exhibitions. Contact Janet at JanetSellers@OCN.me.
Other Art Matters articles
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- Art Matters – How Gen Z influences our cultural and financial future (12/31/2025)
- Art Matters – Art curation: We all do it, even with holiday trees and gift wrapping (12/4/2025)
- Art Matters – Art shapes our world—and shifts our gaze (10/30/2025)
- Art Matters – What is art good for? (9/3/2025)
- Art Matters – We Can’t Unchop a Tree (7/31/2025)
- Art Matters – The many benefits of outdoor art and arts events (7/3/2025)
- Art Matters – On being a sketchy person in the art and cultural sector (6/7/2025)
- Art Matters – May Art Hop and art on the street (5/3/2025)
- Art Matters – Contemporary art: The return of bold beauty (4/5/2025)
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