The University of St. Thomas’ new creative space opened March 1 in the Anderson Student Center and is drawing students from all studies to craft by offering vinyl cutters, 3-D printers and more.

The creative space opened in what was previously the ‘85 game room. The space was designed in partnership between the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship in the Opus College of Business and the Division of Student Affairs as a way to encourage all students, regardless of major, to make their own ideas come alive.

“This is sort of one of the prime spaces on campus,” said AnnMarie Thomas, associate professor and the space’s adviser. “It’s not in the engineering building, it’s not in the business building, it’s somewhere that is kind of neutral territory for everyone to use.”

While the space has no official name, students know it as a “maker space.” The room includes vinyl cutters, 3-D printers, sewing machines and Legos. Spring semester will function as the program’s test run, and the space may receive new equipment later.

“We’re open to student suggestions for what to do. There is not an absolute set on how we use this space,” Thomas said. “I would love to hear from students who have suggestions.”

Along with creative equipment, the space hosts workshops like “Make It Monday,” during which student workers help participants with designated projects. Thomas said the first “Make It Monday” was a success.

“We had about 25 students stop in, and we had about four or five people take the first 3-D printing evening workshop, and that’s in the first week of operation,” Thomas said.

Junior Alison Haugh said she has already spent time in the space and thinks it’s a positive addition.

“I think it’s an incredible space,” Haugh said. “I think it’s caused a lot of people to really feel they can do more than they originally thought they could as far as a creative capacity.”

Haugh reinforced the idea that the space is open to more than just tech-savvy engineering majors.

“I think there’s a misconception that it’s for engineering students. I would say it’s really offered for everyone,” Haugh said. “I think there’s a little bit of a jump to make, but I think we’re crossing that gap a little bit.”

The creative space was also featured on St. Thomas’ Snapchat when sophomore Ryan Foster took photos there.

“I think we will definitely benefit — or St. Thomas and ASC will benefit from it — because it’s just another thing that we can spend our free time doing,” Foster said.

Foster added that one of the best parts about the space is that it’s free.

“I think that’s really awesome that we now have a space that people with different interests can do,” Foster said. “Anyone can use it, and I think that’s really cool.”

Noura Elmanssy can be reached at elma7206@stthomas.edu.