The Plug-In Studio logocollaborations in art and technology
plug-in graphic
A explores inputs and outputs with littleBits.
Students created a collaborative piece using the IR capability of the PicoCrickets.
Exploring electrical circuits with Squishy Circuits.
A student refines his character design for a video game.
A Squishy Circuit fish.
A student demonstrates her Dancing Doll kinetic sculpture.
Exploring Squishy Circuits at an ArtMakerSpace event.
A participant in an ArtMakerSpace event.
A student adds color to orignal artwork for his video game.
Background artwork for a video game.
A young participant explores the rgb LED.
Two students discuss the code for their video games.
Exploring littleBits.
An artist-teacher assists a young participant at an ArtMakerSpace event.
An artist-teacher discusses game design with a student.
A young participant adjusts a littleBit.
Two students demonstrate their interactive sound sculpture.
Exploring electronics through Squishy Circuits.
A student demonstrates an interactive kinetic sculpture incorporating found objects.
A student builds an interactive kinetic sculpture.
Exploring Squishy Circuits.
An artist-teacher consults with a student on his video game.
A student programs a PicoCricket.
An interactive kinetic sculpture.
Artwork for a video game.

Plug-In Studio Programs

The ArtMakerSpace series

Electronics + Cardboard!
The Plug-In Studio hosted a series of free pop-up, drop-in, art + tech maker events at community partner sites around Chicago. Artists Steve Ciampaglia, Lindsey French, Stephen Germana, and Kerry Richardson invited young people and their families to make interactive kinetic artworks with electronics and recycled materials.

We brought littleBits, Squishy Circuits, and LOTS of cardboard to four community partner organizations: Yollocalli Arts Reach, Evanston Art Center, Hyde Park Art Center, and ElevArte Community Studio. Kids and families dropped in, learned about electronics and circuit-building, and made sculptures that move, make sound and light up.

See photos + videos from all four events here.

Funding for the ArtMakerSpace series is generously provided by The Propeller Fund.