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Cohen Exploration Lab & Cohen Commons

ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾’s Department of Visual Arts is excited to unveil a brand new maker-space and student lounge. The Cohen Exploration Lab is a creative hub for visual arts students with state-of-the art technology such as 3D printer, 3Doodler printing pens, photo printer, electronic components, video projection, and an interactive whiteboard. This innovative space encourages experimentation and enables students to explore the boundaries between science, technology, engineering and mathematic components and integrate them into their visual arts practice. The redesign of this space has been driven by two assumptions: that curriculum-driven innovation, such as that offered through the new courses that make use of digital innovations for artistic practice, have the potential to transform student experience, and that access to informally structured meeting places is crucial to developing strong student communities that are able to generate new ideas and innovative forms of creative expression.

The new Cohen Commons, a space adjacent to the Lab, is a relaxed lounge for students where they can share ideas and work collaboratively on projects. This area will also showcase student work produced in the Lab through rotating exhibitions. The spaces are designed to work together to inspire, encourage, and promote student creativity.

Both of these exciting new additions to the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre are made possible by a generous donation by Alan Cohen, in honour of Phyllis Cohen.  Phyllis and Alan Cohen are longtime supporters of the London creative arts community and the Department of Visual Arts at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾. The Cohen Exploration Lab recognizes their belief that to learn is to explore and take risks; the Cohen Commons recognizes their work in bringing students, faculty and the wider community together in shared commitments to creativity. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Department of Visual Arts are grateful for their support, vision, and commitment.

Resources

Resources include:

• iMacs
• PC + projector
• Photo Printing – Epson SureColor P800
• 3D printing – Dremel 3D20
• Vinyl Cutter - Mimaki CG-60SR III
• Little Bits electronic components

General Policies:

The Cohen Exploration Lab is available for use during regular Visual Arts Centre hours. Regular staff member hours are Monday & Thursday 11am-1 pm. For service, questions, assistance or purchases, students must come by during these hours. For service outside of these hours, please book an appointment by email: kneudorf@uwo.ca

For tours, information sessions, service, questions, assistance or purchases, students must book an appointment with the Technician by email: kneudorf@uwo.ca

To be eligible to use the Cohen Exploration Lab and to reserve the 3D printer you must be currently enrolled in a Visual Arts Studio class. For swipe access, speak to the technician.

Students needing to print projects must book time well ahead of any deadlines or critiques. The Photo Printer may be reserved in 30 min increments (up to 2 hrs, unless arrangements have been made), and the 3D printer may be reserved in hour increments (up to 4 hrs, unless arrangements have been made). All reservations can be made via the booking calendar or by email: kneudorf@uwo.ca

Access:

If you are a new user, you must book a Cohen Lab Orientation with the Technician to gain Lab access. Once you have been granted access, you can use your ID card to enter. Guests are not permitted in the lab. If more than one user is entering at the same time, we ask that you swipe in individually.

 

 

Photo Printing

• Students may book a Photo Printing demo with the Technician by email.
• All prints must be pre-paid before printing.
• Payments are cash only (please bring exact change).
• Payment must be accompanied by a print request form (available from Technician).
• Once payment is completed, the student may complete the print at any time.
• Epson Photo paper can be obtained from the Technician, or students may provide their own Epson paper.
• The Cohen Lab stocks Epson Ultra Premium Luster Photo Paper (a semi-gloss paper). If students wish to use alternative Epson paper types such as glossy or matte, this must be provided by the student. Please note: The Epson P800 printer can only print with Epson photo paper.

 

3D Printing and Photo Material Rates 

Printing Service	Total Cost	If Student Provides own Dremel PLA filament
3D Printing	$1 per hour(rounded up to the closest hour)	Free
Photo Printing	Total Cost	If Student Provides own Paper
8x10	$5	$2
11x17	$10	$8
17x22	$12	$10

• All prints must be pre-paid between the hours of 11:00 am - 1:00 pm while the staff is present.
• Payment must be accompanied by a print request form.
• Once completed, the student may complete the print at any time.
• Students may provide their own Epson paper and 3D PLA filament.
• Paper & colour filaments must be obtained from the staff between 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
• Only the staff is authorized to operate and change the PLA filament in the 3D printer.

 

Vinyl Cutting

• If your vinyl project is for an Artlab or Cohen Commons exhibition, please contact Liza Eurich at leurich@uwo.ca for assistance with vinyl printing. For all other projects, please contact the Cohen Lab Technician.
• Students may book a Vinyl cutting workshop with the Technician by email.
• Vinyl pricing is dependent upon project type, which can be discussed with the Technician.
• The Cohen Lab has dark-grey vinyl in stock. For all other colours, an order must be requested at least a week ahead.
• Students may provide their own vinyl for printing.