The Art Lab at Washburn University serves as a dynamic space for creative exploration and community engagement. Designed to cater to students, faculty and the broader Topeka community, the Art Lab fosters an environment where individuals can experiment with various artistic techniques free of charge.
Located in the basement of the Mulvane Art Museum, the Art Lab offers open hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The facility provides six permanent stations focused on foundational art skills, including still-life drawing, watercolor, collage, printmaking, self-portraiture and three-dimensional cardboard art.
“We think of these as scaffolding skills, essential for any budding artist to develop,” said Stacy Ash, education coordinator.
The Art Lab also encourages student and faculty involvement through tailored programs. Faculty members can collaborate with the lab for guided activities and museum tours that align with their course curriculum.
“We’ve worked with communications classes, international student groups, and various student organizations,” Ash said.
Student organizations are also encouraged to host meetings in the space, integrating artistic projects into their activities.
For many, the Art Lab is more than just a workspace—it’s a place to connect with others through creativity. Bareigh Farrell, sophomore art major, is one of the lab assistants who described why the space is so meaningful to her.
“I genuinely enjoy this workspace because it brings together all types of people and provides opportunities to engage in new experiences while creating art,” Farrell said. “It’s also great for me as an art major, since I can work on my own projects while being surrounded by creativity.”
Similarly, Melody Meraz, another art lab assistant, shared her appreciation for the space and the community it fosters.
“I love how creative everyone gets here. It’s such a fun little community, and I enjoy seeing kids bring their wild ideas to life,” Meraz said.
Beyond providing a space for artistic expression, the Art Lab contributes to outreach efforts through initiatives such as the Mulvane Student Advisory Board, which helps curate exhibitions and organizes pop-up art events on campus. These efforts ensure that more students become aware of the resources available to them.
“If you see us in the union, don’t be shy,” Ash said. “Sit down and create something—you might surprise yourself!”.
Opportunities for volunteerism are another crucial aspect of the Art Lab’s mission. Students from all disciplines are welcome to volunteer, gaining experience in arts education and museum operations.
“For repeat volunteers, I can provide professional letters of recommendation, which is especially beneficial for those pursuing education or museum-related careers,” Ash said.
As Washburn continues to emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, the Art Lab is working with the music department to integrate art and sound in upcoming projects. This reflects a broader vision of uniting different artistic disciplines within the campus community.
Ultimately, the Art Lab is more than just a place to make art—it is a space for connection, learning, and creative expression. Whether students are seeking a way to de-stress, develop artistic skills, or engage with the Washburn community, the Art Lab stands as a welcoming resource.
“This is my favorite thing in the whole world,” Ash said, emphasizing her passion that fuels the lab’s mission.
Edited by Jeremy Ford and Stuti Khadka.
