MICA is pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of its five entrepreneurs-in-residence at Open Works, a community-oriented makerspace located in Baltimore’s Station North neighborhood.
The residencies are part of a newly established partnership between MICA and Baltimore Arts Realty Corporation (BARCO), which created the residency program to retain, grow and support Baltimore’s community of creative entrepreneurs, as well as to provide the resources and support needed to further their educational, professional and business goals.
“This partnership will help to facilitate accessible career paths for students, and these new opportunities will keep talented makers in Baltimore, contributing to the city’s creative and entrepreneurial economy,” said MICA President Samuel Hoi.
The residencies are available to five MICA students and recent alumni, and the inaugural group was selected from over 30 applicants. Recipients will each receive a dedicated studio space and access to Open Works’ fabrication facilities, including a metal shop, wood shop, 3D printing studio and electronics lab.
The inaugural group of entrepreneurs is expected to begin their residency on June 1.
2017 ENTREPRENEURS-IN-RESIDENCE
Byron Banghart '14 (Social Design)
Byron Banghart will design and build a flat pack hanging shelter using metal fabrication, industrial sewn canvas and CNC cut parts. The final product will be sold as a kit or as an instructional package.
Visit truenorthguidelab.com for more information.
Gage Branda '16 and Sebastian Ruiz '18 (Interdisciplinary Sculpture)
Gage Branda and Sebastian Ruiz will design a growing compartment and climate control module to produce mycelium, a mushroom root system and sustainable material whose construction and industrial applications could replace harmful materials.
Trisha Cheeney '17 (Interdisciplinary Sculpture)
Trisha Cheeney will launch Pälemer, a clothing and apparel company making products from used plastic shopping bags. Cheeney will produce windbreaker jackets, insulated ski jackets and book bags, and plans to expand into a wide array of products.
Visit trishacheeney.com for more information.
Dylan Guest '16 (Interdisciplinary Sculpture)
Dylan Guest plans to develop a line of customized game tables. As part of his senior thesis at MICA, Guest designed and fabricated a custom pool table. During his time at Open Works, he will further develop the functional aspects of the design and will expand the product line.
Visit dylanguest.com for more information.
Izzi Stein '17 (General Fine Arts)
Izzi Stein will develop her business, PopOpShop, which features handmade jewelry, home goods and textiles. Her brightly patterned pieces are produced using laser cutting, sewing, screen printing and woodworking.
A video mockup of the shop can be viewed here.
Visit popopshop.com and izzistein.com for more information.
