There's something powerful about the moment when knowledge moves out of the textbook and into your hands, when facts become clay, when history becomes texture and when learning becomes creation. 

At the UTA Central Library's FabLab, the glass, ceramic and printmaking space offers just that: an invitation to touch, shape and explore ideas hands-on. It's not just about making art; it's about deepening understanding, sparking curiosity, and connecting people through the power of process. 

"The purpose and goal for this space is to provide a hands-on impact on learning outcomes," said Perla Vargas, FabLab Technician. "A lot of the processes we do here have a traditional outcome. What I find interesting about having a glass, ceramic, and printmaking space in a digital fabrication lab is that it bridges traditional skills and CNC technology." 

That bridge is where the magic happens. 

In the spring semester, the space hosted a Chinese History class exploring the ancient mystery of the terracotta warriors, life-sized sculptures created to guard the tomb of China's first emperor. One question has fascinated scholars for decades: how were these thousands of figures made? 

"There's speculation they were created using slip casting," Vargas explained. "Our goal with the class was to recreate a similar process and have the students make their own terracotta warriors." 

To make it possible, FabLab staff turned to technology. Using 3D scans of actual terracotta warriors found online, they created printed press molds. These molds allowed students to shape their figures, miniature warriors born of ancient tradition and modern innovation. 

"We can't use plaster due to the dust, so we work within our limitations. It makes us think more creatively," Vargas said. "The professor was really pleased with the results, and the students gave a lot of positive feedback. They enjoyed the interaction between their studies and the hands-on activity." 

This blend of experiential learning and creative experimentation is what makes the FabLab vital not only to UTA students but also to anyone in the community looking to explore, make and grow. 

"When students engage in these projects, they're not just learning about a subject. They're learning new skills, building confidence and connecting with each other," Vargas said. "It also helps pass on traditional craftsmanship and shows how technology can enhance, not replace, those skills." 

As the fall semester begins Aug. 18, the glass, ceramic, and printmaking space will continue to be a hub for creativity and discovery. The FabLab will offer workshops every two weeks throughout the semester, each one an opportunity to learn something new, create something meaningful, and walk away with more than just a finished piece. 

"There are no set dates yet, but all the workshops will be posted in the first month of the semester on the UTA events calendar," Vargas said. "Each one is just $10, which covers the cost of materials." 

In this space, students don't just study history; they make it. Students don't just read about culture. They shape it with their own hands. That's the power of experiential learning at UTA Libraries. Transforming knowledge into something you can hold onto.