UC DAAP grads illuminate BLINK
Alums use Makerspace to create dragonflys for Cincinnati nonprofit
Two University of Cincinnati graduates, Clay Brown and Liam Merkle, stepped up to create a one-of-a-kind project for the Dragonfly Foundation to showcase during BLINK, as reported on MSN.
Known for their innovative industrial and fashion design work, Brown and Merkle volunteered their time to bring vibrant, illuminated dragonflies and flowers to life, working against a tight deadline to ensure everything was ready for the parade.
Design emergency
A dragonfly comes to life inside the UC Ground Floor Makerspace. Photo/Diana Lara
The Dragonfly Foundation, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that supports pediatric cancer patients and their families, contacted UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) less than two weeks before the BLINK parade when its original designer was unable to complete the project.
Matt Lynch, associate professor in DAAP, replied and recommended Brown, a former student and sought-after designer with a steady stream of commissioned work.
Recognizing the scope of the request and the festival's importance, Brown reached out to Merkle, a fellow UC graduate and fashion designer, to collaborate so the designs could be completed on time.
Lynch knew they could handle the fast-paced challenge and expressed his excitement that the Bearcat duo was working on this project.
“Without the resources of the Makerspace inside the 1819 Innovation Hub, we wouldn’t have been able to fulfill this project in time. It is an incredible machine shop for my work with prototyping designs like this,” Brown said. "BLINK is all about creativity and community, and the Makerspace allowed us to make something that really stood out and represented the amazing work that the Dragonfly Foundation does."
Clay and Liam are great examples of recent graduates making use of the skills they learned at DAAP utilizing the tools and equipment in the Makerspace to further their careers.
Lucy Weaver Coordinator unit operations, UC Ground Floor Makerspace
The UC Groundfloor Makerspace is a 12,000-square-foot prototyping and fabrication space that houses equipment ranging from basic hand tools to advanced manufacturing.
Lucy Weaver, a UC industrial design graduate who coordinates unit operations for the Makerspace, assists community members in accessing the space along with students working on their capstones.
“Clay and Liam are great examples of recent graduates making use of the skills they learned at DAAP, utilizing the tools and equipment in the Makerspace to further their careers,” Weaver said.
BLINK and you'll miss it
Left: Clay Brown and Liam Merkle work inside the Ground Floor Makerspace. Right: Liam Merkle wears the illuminated dragonfly wings. Photos/Diana Lara
Together, the pair worked tirelessly to design and execute 15 illuminated 3-feet-by-3-feet dragonflies and five flowers. These eye-catching creations were mounted on poles and attached to backpacks as they lit up the night, adding a magical glow to the BLINK parade. Brown and Merkle dedicated every minute of their time to ensuring their contribution to the Dragonfly Foundation’s presence at BLINK was ready.
"We were excited to be a part of this project, especially because it’s such a great cause," said Merkle.
The BLINK festival, one of Cincinnati’s most popular art and light festivals, is a celebration that transforms the city into an outdoor gallery of interactive light displays, murals and performances.
Brown and Merkle delivered the final designs just in time for the parade, demonstrating their commitment not only to their craft but also to giving back to the community. The Dragonfly Foundation was extremely grateful for the quality of work and the time the grads invested in the project.
You can view the finished wings on Dragonfly's Facebook and Instagram pages.
Featured image at top: Clay Brown points out the work that went into the dragonfly backpack worn by Liam Merkle. Photo/Diana Lara
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