Art, 3D Printing, & Virtual Reality: Seton Hill Art Professors Promote Intersection of Creativity & Technology at Local Elementary School
For the last five years, Associate Professor of Art Brian Ferrell has been representing Seton Hill University as a community partner at the Nicely Elementary School Science Fair. Each year he displays the power of 3D printing through live prints and examples. This year, he was joined by Assistant Professor of Art Josias Figueirido, who demonstrated ‘mixed reality painting’.
“If you can imagine it, you can make it."
The Nicely Elementary School Science Fair is an annual event that encourages young minds to engage with science through self-discovery. Students from every grade at the school create science fair projects and present them to judges, peers and the community. In addition to the students’ works, the school brings in a number of community partners. This includes the local public library, agricultural groups and local universities.
3D Printing and Art, Medicine & Science
In attending the science fair, Ferrell hopes to inspire young students and introduce them to the world of possibilities that 3D printing unlocks.“It’s [3D printing] a tool that can trigger creativity,” Ferrell says, “If you can imagine it, you can make it.”
Ferrell also believes that it’s important to demonstrate how 3D printing can be used in a variety of ways. The tool is particularly popular in some of the most in-demand fields at the moment, including medicine and engineering.
Ferrell’s display had multiple 3D printers printing things live, as well as a number of examples of what’s possible. For example, a ceramic mug and sterling silver necklace pendant were on display because the molds they were cast from were 3D printed. Another notable project was the joint of a 3D printed K9 prosthetic leg. This is a project that Ferrell pursues outside of the classroom in partnership with 3DPets.
The rise in popularity and accessibility to 3-D printers over the past few years has piqued the curiosity of many. Within the Seton Hill community, it has created a new means of creation for students in the visual arts. At the advanced level, 3D mold casting is utilized by students in metalsmithing and ceramics classes. It has also provided an opportunity for collaboration between peers. Assistant Professor of Biology Donna Haworth-Ward partners with Ferrell so their students can create 3D printed medical devices. For example, recent students used this project to create a subcutaneous glucose monitoring device and a ketamine administration device.
“3D printers are in so many careers because they can be used in so many ways,” Ferrell said. He hopes that by creating awareness of 3D printing’s capabilities, it will inspire students of all ages to think outside of the box and create physical manifestations of their wildest dreams.