Common Goods is an annual pop-up store featuring laser-cut paper packages of items we need but cannot buy, like empathy, rest, and rainbows. The packages were designed by students in Sharon Massey and Sean Derry’s 3D Design and Digital Fabrication classes.
The store’s Grand Opening Celebration is Wednesday, November 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the ticket booth of the Indiana Theater (637 Philadelphia Street).
Students created the laser-cut packages first as hand-cut paper prototypes, which were then translated into digital files for reproduction. Students used a laser cutter in STEAMSHOP, IUP’s interdisciplinary makerspace, to create precision-cut multiples of their designs. Each package is for sale, and all proceeds benefit the Future Makers Fund, a catalytic funding stream for emerging makers.
This multifaceted project is the result of Massey and Derry’s interest in the development and implementation of effective strategies for integrating undergraduate research experiences into an interdisciplinary curriculum. Students participating in Common Goods each make an original creative contribution to the project and are provided a real-world presentation for their work, giving students an experience that extends beyond the classroom.
Although each participant creates their own artwork, the project requires collaboration with their peers as well as with their professors and the community. Common Goods engages students in real-world professional development opportunities such as grant writing, proposal development, and public outreach.
This year, Common Goods will be located in the ticket booth of the Indiana Theater (637 Philadelphia St).
The store’s Grand Opening Celebration is Wednesday, November 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Additional store hours are as follows:
- Thursday, November 9: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 6:00–10:00 p.m.
- Friday, November 10: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 11: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 12: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.