Greetings fellow creatives! It’s Meg with Studio 2 Makings March Newsletter. We have lots of fun events and collaborations planned incoming, so let’s get right into it!
March 14th: Double Events at STEAM on Wheels
No matter where you are in the Quad Cities on the 14th, be sure to catch one of STEAM on Wheels’ events as we are out and about. We have one free family STEAM event at the John Deere Commons from 10:30-12. And then at the lab location in downtown Rock Island, we’ll be hosting a make-and-take laser cut shamrock event from 10-2. Come down and catch the parade and see what’s going on! RSVP here.
April 12th Brewtanical Plant Pop Up @ Radicle Effect
We are scaling our retail events WAY back for 2026 and beyond, but one of our favorite events is the Brewtanical pop-up at Radicle Effect. Join us for one of the few times this year we’ll have garden, native, and house plants available at a physical location. I’ve been busy in the studio playing around with some tech-plant creations, and I am excited to debut them at this year’s pop up!
If you’re curious about my casual product prototyping, be sure to stay tuned on Instagram.
If you can’t make the pop-up, don’t forget we operate online 24/7 at the Studio 2 Makings online Storefront.
21+ Lego Printmaking Class April 17th
Join us at Steam on Wheels for a playful exploration of relief printing using LEGO tiles! Design abstract patterns with lines and shapes, recreate your favorite animal, or go full experimental: the world is your oyster. The beauty of this method is that it’s endlessly reconfigurable. We’ll have a variety of tiles at your disposal for maximum imaginings.
You’ll leave with up to 5 unique prints and new skills to take your printmaking adventures in any direction you choose. Light refreshments provided, and feel free to BYOB to keep the creative energy flowing.
Come play, print, and create in community!
Ages 21+ | All experience levels welcome
90 minutes: 6-7:30pm
Wild Ones Symposium April 24th
Studio 2 Makings will be on display the Wild Ones Symposium: Plants, Paths and Pizza with an interactive plant soundscape eco-art demonstration. Come and listen to the wavelengths of plants and participate in a collaborative arts experience! This is experimental, but something I’va always wanted to try with others! Admission to the Symposium is free, and it runs from 12-6pm at The Hauberg Estates in Rock Island.
Here’s an example of what it sounds like to listen to plant wavelengths:
For more video musings, follow Studio 2 Makings on Youtube
Registration is LIVE: Rooted In Place: Botanical Printing Full Day Retreat Workshop
Studio 2 Makings is offering it’s first full day mixed media eco arts retreat at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat in Wheatland, Iowa! Class seating is limited, register below to reserve your spot!
Full Day Event Description:
This retreat is perfect for those seeking creative exploration through nature-based art, from beginners curious about local ecosystems to experienced artists wanting to develop intuitive, process-focused techniques that connect them more deeply with their natural environment. Examples: Gardeners, environmental educators, botanical artists, naturalists
Step into a day that changes how you observe the natural world around you. Full day workshop Rooted In Place: Botanical Printing and Local Ecology combines ecological learning with hands-on botanical printing techniques. You’ll explore local habitats, learn to identify native species and their relationships, then document your discoveries through multiple printing methods. Leave with a personalized field guide, and the skills to continue this practice year-round. Perfect for gardeners, artists, nature lovers, and anyone ready to develop a deeper connection to their local landscape.
Summer Animation Camp Registration is LIVE at The Family Museum!
Registration is now open for Summer Animation Camp at the Bettendorf Family Museum! Taught July 6th through July 9th, I’ll be teaching the concepts of animation and various digital and analog animation techniques in this fun camp for students ages 10-14.
Another example of animation fun in the past:
Are you looking to host a unique mixed media or environmental arts workshop? Contact us to get on the Spring and Summer Calendar! Email us at studio2makings@gmail.com
Until next time!
Xo,
Meg
On the horizon: Free Mixed Media Arts Workshops Coming to A Local Library Near You!
Stay tuned for release dates, as they always happen on the Studio 2 Makings Newsletter first!