“The people who work here know so much about different art and craft methods, everybody is always working on some exciting project. It's hard not to be inspired.” Craft Centre President Kelly Linehan

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Studio Arts and Craft Centre is located on the ground floor of the Union, room EG30 and offers access to art supplies for ceramics, photography, painting and many more for students who don’t take art classes or for those East Siders who aren’t UWM students. The Post talked to president Kelly Linehan to get some helpful information for interested students.

The Post- What is it like to work at the Craft Centre?
Kelly Linehan- It's a lot fun and it provides an opportunity to see all kinds of art in action. Working at the Craft Centre means learning new things all the time and opportunities to experiment with art techniques and materials. There are a lot of really interesting people who use the space on a regular basis so it's easy to make new connections. The people who work here know so much about different art and craft methods; everybody is always working on some exciting project. It's hard not to be inspired.

Post- What are you guys trying to promote over there?
KL-We recently added screen-printing to the areas that we focus on, which include ceramics, black and white photography, jewelry and metalsmithing. We are offering a bunch of new workshops this semester like lampworking (making glass beads), enameling and sewing basics. Additionally, we now have sewing machines available for check-out in the studio. Workshops are in full swing now, but we will be offering many of the same ones during the spring semester. Of course, we're adding some really exciting new ones too, like knitting, precious metal clay and airbrushing.

Post- Do you think the Craft Center is going to stick around for awhile?
KL- The Craft Centre has been in operation since the 1970s so I don't think it's going anywhere soon. The popularity of do-it-yourself culture right now is awesome and we are able to provide a place for people to indulge their crafty side.

Post- How do you become a member?
KL- All current, full-time UWM students have a free membership, they just need to stop by and fill out our membership form. Membership entitles you to use of the space, including the pottery wheels, photography darkroom, jewelry equipment and tools. You only have to provide the materials you are actually working on, most of which we sell at the Craft Centre. Everyone is welcome to use the space though, not just UWM students.

Membership fees are either per semester or daily for faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.

Post- What is the atmosphere or the attitude people have when they are in the centre?
KL-The atmosphere is totally casual. Other than that, it all depends on the day. Sometimes it gets pretty busy, especially on the Saturday afternoons when we have workshops. There is definitely a community of people who use the Craft Centre on a regular basis and they tend to be welcoming. It's a good place to come if you have questions about a particular art form because there's usually somebody around to answer your question. If not, we can always point you in the right direction.

Post- Are there shows that you guys put on and what are those like, what are the responses you get?
KL- We don't have any shows. We do have a craft sale every semester where all members are invited to sell their work at the Craft Centre. We provide refreshments and there is a ton of unique and original work for sale. We get everything from jewelry to photography, screen printed T-shirts and handmade books.

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