Welcome Back to the Lou Duggan Creative Studio!

Written by Sarah, Lou Duggan Creative Studio Specialist | Last updated May 26, 2022 with new gallery photos

The Lou Duggan Creative Studio is open for business! And we're in the business of making things. This post comes from our Lou Duggan Creative Studio team. Check out more content and events here, opens a new window, anytime.

The start of a legacy

On January 18, 2020, the Lou Duggan Creative Studio had its official opening to honour the memory of its namesake, Lou Duggan, and celebrate his legacy gift to Halifax. Two months later, COVID-19 swept across the globe and the Library had to close its doors to the public.

Over the last two years, we’ve been doing what we can within the public health guidelines: offering small in-person programs when restrictions permitted, preparing Grab & Go craft and food kits, and putting on virtual programs. We even had some pretty neat moments, like Cohen's Story: Tech For Good amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic.

We don’t need to tell you what a challenge the last two years have been. 

But, we can tell you how incredibly excited we are to be able to offer lots of in-person programming once again! The Lou Duggan Creative Studio reopened its doors on March 1, 2022, and it has been go, go, go ever since.

Get to know the Studio

What is the Lou Duggan Creative Studio, you may be asking?

It’s a public makerspace where people are invited to Learn, Discover, Create, and Share (see what we did there?).

Equipment

We have 3D printers, Cricut machines, sewing machines, art supplies, jewellery making, embroidery, knitting, food equipment, laptops, iPads, scrapbooking, an aeroponic garden, and more.

On top of all of this, we’re adding some more equipment to the studio. Look out for future blog posts where we’ll announce what’s new!

Event offerings

Our most popular program is our Creative Studio DIY: Makers Drop-In. This is a time for anyone to pop by and make whatever they want. Staff are on hand to help you out with our technologies and supplies. You can use our materials for small projects, or bring in your own to work on something larger. We offer these sessions several times a week and all skill levels are welcome.

We also offer a variety of craft and technology workshops each month. We run regular Introductions to 3D Printing and Cricut Design (sticker and card making) to get you comfortable using these devices during our DIY Drop-ins. You’ll also see workshops on jewellery making, fibre arts, scrapbooking, gardening, cooking, learning technologies, and more.

At the time of publishing, we have an awesome stamp-carving workshop coming up on Saturday, April 2, 2022! Info here

There’s a lot going on and our schedule is always being updated, so be sure to check our online listings often. Use this link or simply search our What's On Calendar for "Lou Duggan Creative Studio."

(Unless otherwise specified, programs run from the Lou Duggan Creative Studio are for adults and teens. Children under 14 are very welcome if accompanied by an adult and if you feel the activity is appropriate for them.)

Share with us

We’d love to see your photos and videos! What are you making in the Studio?

We'll be sharing community DIYs on our social channels and here in our gallery, and hope to see a colourful mosaic of creativity!

Gallery

• Share on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok @hfxpublib; using #LouDugganCreativeStudio
• Email to Sarah: gignacs@halifax.ca.
• Consent:         

  By submitting your photo, you give Halifax Public Libraries and its partners non-exclusive permission to use content of and/or made by the participant for digital or print publications. You understand that this may include, but is not limited to, social media posts, websites, newsletters, advertisements, posters and pamphlets. You also understand that on occasion, Library photos, video, audio, or publications may be shared with media outlets and community partners for use in promotions of Library events, initiatives, and stories. You certify that no other person's permission is needed to authorize the use of said images or content. You agree that Halifax Public Libraries cannot be held liable for images or content used with my consent.

About the staff blogger

Sarah Gignac is the Creative Studio Specialist at Halifax Central Library. In her other life, she’s an animator, artist, writer, and novice-but-enthusiastic gardener. She is allowed to share space with two cats, one white and one black, which is why no matter what colour her clothes are, she is always covered in fur.

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